Gunmen have abducted 15 passengers along the Calabar-Oron waterway in Cross River state.
The incident occurred on Friday.
The victims were reportedly abducted while travelling aboard a Sea Express boat from Calabar, the state capital, to Oron in Akwa Ibom.
Auwal Mohammed, 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 rescue of the victims.
According to a statement by Jefferson Osupe, the zonal public relations officer of the command, 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 on the mission.
Mohammed also directed the commissioners of police to set aside all jurisdictional limitations and operational boundaries, and to deploy all available tactical and intelligence assets.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
