The Akwa Ibom State Police Command confirmed on Tuesday, January 14, that one of its marine officers is missing following an attack by suspected sea pirates on the state’s coastal waters.
Timfon John, the police spokesperson, reported that two other officers were injured during the assault on the Marine Police Patrol Team (MPPT).
The team was ambushed by 24 armed pirates, leading to a fierce gunfight in which the police sustained casualties.
According to John, the pirates, dressed in military camouflage and operating three speedboats, launched the attack despite being outnumbered.
“Our officers fought bravely, but sadly, two officers, Inspector Sunday Usuyak and Inspector Edet Enenyi, were shot and are currently receiving medical care.
However, one officer, Inspector Udi Emenyi, is still missing,” John said.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has mobilized a team of tactical operatives to collaborate with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, to apprehend the pirates and locate the missing officer.
John assured that the command is committed to bringing the criminals to justice and enhancing security on the state’s waterways.
She also appealed to the public to provide any intelligence that could assist in safeguarding state facilities.