Fifteen passengers along the Calabar-Oron waterway in Cross River state had been kidnapped on Friday.
The victims were travelling aboard a Sea Express boat from Calabar, the state capital, to Oron in Akwa Ibom when they were seized by the gunmen.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 6 Command, Auwal Mohammed, according to the zonal police spokesperson, Jefferson Osupe, has ordered the Commissioners of Police in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to immediately activate a robust, intelligence-driven, and coordinated inter-state security framework to rescue the victims and the apprehend all perpetrators.
Mohammed also ordered the state commands to liaise with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant security agencies on the mission as well as directed the CPs to set aside all jurisdictional limitations and operational boundaries, and to deploy all available tactical and intelligence assets.
He said “I condemn this attack on innocent Nigerians in strong terms, and want to reassure residents and maritime operators in both states that the Nigeria Police Force under Zone 6 remains resolute, proactive, and fully committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“I appeal to members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to promptly report any suspicious activities, particularly along coastal and riverine communities.”
