BREAKING: One Officer declared missing as pirates launch attack in Akwa Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, January 14, announced that one of its marine cops was missing following an attack on the coastal waters by some suspected sea pirates.

The spokesperson for the command, Timfon John in a statement said two other officers sustained different degrees of injuries during an attack by the criminals on the Marine Police Patrol Team (MPPT).

According to John, the patrol team was ambushed by 24 armed sea pirates which led to a heavy gun battle with the police suffering some loses.

She said the Akwa Ibom State commissioner of Police, Baba Azare has already mobilsed a team of tactical operatives who would work with other security agencies including the Nigerian Navy to apprehend the fleeing criminals and rescue the missing officer.

She added that the team had come under heavy attack by the pirates who were dressed in military camouflage and operated three speedboats.

She said, “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 unaccounted for.”

She noted that the command would not stop until the perpetrators of the criminal act are brought to justice and the waterways protected against such activities of sea pirates.

John also called on the public to assist the police with intelligence reports that could help in safeguarding the state facilities.