By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Mr Auwal Mohammed, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 6 Command, has directed Commissioners of Police in Cross River and Akwa Ibom to coordinate the rescue of the 15 victims abducted on the Calabar waterways.
This is contained in a statement by the Zonal Public Relatons Officer of the Command, DSP Jefferson Osupe, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Monday.
Mohammed directed the CPs to immediately activate a robust, intelligence-driven, and coordinated inter-state security framework aimed at the swift rescue of the victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators.
The AIG ordered the state commands to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant security agencies to ensure the rescue of the abducted victims.
He also tasked the joint operation to cover the waterways, dismantle criminal networks, and restore confidence in maritime safety across the zone.
Mohammed further directed the Commissioners of Police to set aside all jurisdictional limitations and operational boundaries, and to deploy all available tactical and intelligence assets towards achieving this mission.
The AIG said that the rescue of the abducted victims remains a top operational priority and warned that the Zonal Command would do all to execute the arrest of the perpetrators.
“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,” Mohammed stated.
The AIG reiterated the commitment of the Zone 6 Headquarters to transparency and timely communication as operations progress in order to sustain public trust and mitigate undue tension.
NAN reports that the 15 abducted victims were enroute Oron in Akwa Ibom State from Calabar when they were abducted by gunmen on Calabar waterways on Friday.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)