Four suspected sea pirates, part of a 32 armed robbery gang have been killed in a shoot out by officers of the Marine Police along the Athlantic shoreline in Oron Local Council of Akwa Ibom.
Three others were also arrested in a sting operation by the police following several cases of piracy along the Oron coast line in recent times.
A statement from the state Police Public Relations Officer, MacDon Odiko in Uyo on Wednesday said the gang operated on four speed boats while the operation followed an intelligence on the operations of the pirates in the Oron waterways.
“Acting on a very credible intelligence, on 13th April, 2021, Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Marine Police, Oron, embarked on a sting operation, along Ikang Creek, Oron where they were confronted by sea pirates numbering about thirty-two (32) on board four (4) speed boats, armed with sophisticated weapons.
“The suspects on sighting the Operatives opened fire on them, during the ensuing gun battle, four (4) suspects met their waterloo, while others escaped with three (3) speed boats.” The statement said.
Items recovered from them according to the statement include
One W23 boat mounted with 115HP Yamaha engine and two rifles and six (6) ammunitions.
Similarly, one suspect identified as Nsikak Nsikak have died of gunshot wounds in hospital following a shoot-out with the police during a robbery operation in Itam area of Uyo.
“The hoodlums on sighting the Operatives fired at them, and during the exchange of fire, one suspect identified as Nsikak ‘m’ other names unknown sustained bullet wounds, while Imoh Daniel ‘m’ was arrested. The injured suspect was rushed to the Hospital for treatment but gave up the ghost in the process.” It said.
The statement assured residents that the Command would continue to partner with critical stakeholders to provide top notch security for every part of the state.
