Gunmen suspected to be Sea Pirates have attacked a Marine Police Patrol Team (MPPT) on the Oron-Calabar waterways.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom Police Command, DSP Timfon John, said the patrol team was ambushed by 24 armed Sea Pirates.
John said, “The patrol team, during a routine operation, came under heavy attack from the criminals, who were armed and dressed in military camouflage.
“The assailants, numbering about 24, and operating in three speedboats, attempted to overpower our gallant officers in a gun duel.
“Despite their numerical advantage, our officers put up a brave fight but sustained losses.
“Regrettably, two officers, Inspector Sunday Usuyak and Inspector Edet Enenyi, sustained gunshot injuries, and are receiving top-notch medical attention.
“One officer, Inspector Udi Emenyi, is currently [sic] unaccounted for.
“The Akwa Ibom Police Command has swung into immediate action, deploying a specialized search and rescue team to track and recover the missing officer.
“The Nigerian Navy and other security services have been duly informed and is [sic] collaborating with the Police for the operations.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that the Akwa Ibom Police Command will stop at nothing to ensure the perpetrators of this heinous act are apprehended and brought to justice.
“Our waterways will not be a haven for criminals.”.
The PPRO solicited intelligence from members of the civil society that could lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.