The police command in Akwa Ibom has said that personnel from its marine division recently repelled sea pirates’ attack along the Oron-Calabar Waterway.

DSP Timfon John, the command’s spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Ms John said the command’s marine police personnel received an intelligence report of an ongoing pirate attack while conducting search-and-rescue operations along the waterway.

She said that no fewer than seven pirates were on a speedboat attacking innocent residents.

“Our marine police division swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene. The hoodlums engaged our personnel in a gun duel but were overpowered.

“The marine police gun power forced the pirates, who sustained bullet wounds, to escape into a shallow creek that was inaccessible to police boats.

“Subsequently, we invaded and successfully raided their camp, and recovered some items,” she said.

Ms John said the items recovered during the raid included: one locally made gun, two rounds of K2 live ammunition, and two empty shells of K2 ammunition.

Also recovered were a speedboat fitted with a single 200hp Yamaha engine gearbox, one 15hp Yamaha engine, dismantled engine parts, an improvised toolbox, a generator, an OX standing fan, etc.

The police spokeswoman said efforts were being intensified to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

(NAN)