By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

Operatives of the Marine Police attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have successfully repelled a violent attack by suspected sea pirates along the Oron-Calabar waterways.

In a press statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed that the incident occurred during a search and rescue operation conducted by Marine Police in the area.

The police revealed that seven armed pirates in a speedboat were attacking individuals when the Marine Police operatives received a distress call and swiftly responded.

The statement reads: “On May 10, 2025, at approximately 12:06 pm, operatives of the Marine Police, while conducting search and rescue operations along the Oron-Calabar waterways, received information about an ongoing pirate attack.”

“The report indicated that approximately seven pirates in a speedboat were attacking individuals in the area. Upon receiving the distress call, the Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Police swiftly mobilized and led operatives to the scene.”

According to the police statement, the suspected pirates opened fire upon sighting the Marine Police patrol boats. The police operatives returned fire, leading the pirates—some of whom sustained bullet wounds—to flee into a shallow creek that was inaccessible to police boats.

Following the encounter, Marine Police operatives invaded the pirates’ camp, conducting a successful raid. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, DSP John stated.

During the operation, the Marine Police recovered:

One W23 speedboat fitted with a single 200HP Yamaha engine gearbox

One 15HP Yamaha engine

Dismantled engine parts

A dane gun

An improvised toolbox

One Emage petrol generator

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has assured residents of intensified security measures across the Oron-Calabar waterways to curb further pirate activities. Investigations are still ongoing to track down the suspects and dismantle any remaining pirate networks in the area.