Fourteen persons abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways have regained freedom after a joint operation by the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The statement said the victims were rescued after intelligence-based operations and coordinated action by security agencies targeting criminal groups within the maritime corridor. It noted that operatives acted on credible intelligence, stepped up surveillance across identified hotspots, and carried out focused operations that led to the safe recovery of all the victims.
Police said the rescued individuals are receiving medical checks and debriefing, after which they will be reunited with their families.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the operatives for the operation, describing it as “a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations.”
The police also assured that efforts are ongoing to track down those behind the abduction and ensure they face justice.