Gunmen have abducted 15 passengers travelling along the Calabar–Oron water route in Cross River State.
The incident occurred on Friday when the victims were reportedly seized while on board a Sea Express boat heading from Calabar to Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
In response, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Mohammed, has directed the commissioners of police in both states to coordinate efforts to secure the victims’ release.
According to a statement by the zonal police spokesperson, Jefferson Osupe, the AIG ordered the immediate activation of a coordinated, intelligence-led security operation across the two states.
The directive includes close collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant security agencies to ensure a swift rescue mission and the arrest of those responsible.
Mohammed also instructed the police commands to set aside jurisdictional boundaries and deploy all available tactical and intelligence resources in tackling the situation.
Condemning the attack, the AIG assured residents and maritime operators of the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the zone.
He further urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activities, particularly within coastal and riverine communities.
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