Incident Of Alleged Kidnapping Of Twelve Passengers, Cross River CP Orders Immediate Action

…Calls for Public Cooperation and Timely Information Sharing

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA – The Cross River State Police Command has stated that the alleged kidnapping of twelve (12) passengers, who boarded an engine boat bound for Cross River State, was not reported to the Marine Police Department or any unit of the Command at the time of occurrence.

According to preliminary intelligence reports, as stated in a release e-signed and made available to StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platform by SP Ugbo Irene, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, for the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State, this lack of timely reporting hindered immediate police intervention.

The statement said, incident reportedly occurred along the Calabar/Oron Waterways, opposite James Creek. This location made it difficult for the Command to independently verify or act promptly on the report at the time of the press interview.

Despite jurisdictional limitations, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosanyin, psc (+), fdc, has directed the Marine Department to activate all necessary measures.

These measures include intensified synergy with the Nigerian Navy, Akwa Ibom State Command, and other relevant sister security agencies to ensure swift and coordinated efforts toward locating and rescuing the alleged victims.

The statement further informed that CP Omosanyin has engaged with NN Victory Naval Commodore A. Oride on a deep-sea rescue operation. It is suspected that the victims may have been transported to a high-sea deep water location, which the Navy commanders are currently combing in an ongoing search and rescue effort.

The Command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property, affirming that this remains its constitutional mandate and top priority.

Also, the Command emphasized that the dissemination of accurate and verified information through the Police Public Relations Department will continue to serve as a vital bridge between the Command and the people of Cross River State.

The statement concluded by urging members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.