Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in collaboration with marine hunters, have dismantled a sea piracy syndicate operating within the state’s coastal communities, arresting a suspected militant identified as Samuel Geoffrey, and recovering several marine engines and stolen maritime equipment.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Uyo on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. He said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid the state’s waterways—particularly the Ibaka and Mbo coastal axis—of criminal elements involved in piracy, kidnapping, and illegal marine activities.
According to CP Azare, the suspect, aged 27 and a native of Atakpere Community in Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was arrested on November 3, 2025, at about 11:45 a.m., following credible intelligence.
The police boss revealed that the suspect confessed to being a member of a militant gang that had terrorized fishermen and boat operators along the Ibaka waterways. He also disclosed that the gang’s weapons and stolen items were kept by a village head, identified as Kingdom Bane, who is now on the run.
“On November 3, 2025, at about 1145hrs, operatives of the command, in collaboration with marine hunters, intercepted and arrested one Samuel Geofrey, aged 27. The suspect confessed to being an active militant involved in sea piracy and kidnapping,” CP Azare said.
“He disclosed that his rifle was in the custody of one Kingdom Bane, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village. Operatives immediately stormed the village, but the Village Head fled upon sighting the team,” he added.
A search conducted at the monarch’s makeshift residence led to the recovery of several items suspected to have been used in piracy operations. The recovered exhibits included one 40HP, two 15HP, and one 8HP marine engines; four power heads; four gearboxes; four propellers; four engine covers; one Snow Sea deep freezer; three generators; three brand-new toilet seats; two brand-new toilet sinks; one sewing machine, and a bag containing personal effects of one Chibuike Vincent Awah of Onitsha, Anambra State, including his ID card and NIN slip.
Azare stated that the suspect would soon be charged to court, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing traditional ruler believed to be a key accomplice in the piracy network.
In a related development, the Commissioner also disclosed that the command uncovered an illegal gun manufacturing factory in Ekriti Itam Village, Itu Local Government Area, during a separate operation conducted on October 24, 2025.
Two suspects, Aniekan Aniedi (39) and Ubong Udofia (35), were apprehended during the raid, and various weapon components were recovered from the site.
“Exhibits recovered include three fabricated locally made guns, five pieces of metal pipe, two iron rods, copper wire, two flat metal plates (gun butts), one welding machine, one mini electric screwdriver, and one electric filing machine,” Azare said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maritime security and the protection of legitimate economic activities within the state’s coastal and inland waterways.
