Ibeno Council seeks tougher measures against sea piracy

Tony Okoh

Ibeno Clan Council in Akwa Ibom State has called for a sustained crackdown on sea pirates operating along the waterways and coastal communities of Ibeno, commending the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy for rescuing abducted fishermen and a Ghanaian national.

The council said the September 30, 2026, joint security operation, which also led to the recovery of equipment allegedly stolen from the fishermen, underscored the need for sustained surveillance and coordinated security operations to rid the waterways of criminal elements.

Speaking on behalf of the council, its Secretary, Chief Okon Udofia, described the operation as timely and courageous, noting that it saved the victims and demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration among security agencies.

He, however, urged the police and the Navy to intensify patrols and deploy intelligence-driven operations across the waterways, creeks and coastal communities to prevent further attacks.

“While we commend the security forces for this successful operation, this should not be the end. We urge the Navy and the Police to intensify their efforts to make the waterways and coastal communities unsafe for criminals but safe for lawful businesses,” Udofia said.

He commended residents for providing timely intelligence to security operatives, stressing that community participation remained critical to preventing attacks, identifying criminal networks and ensuring that perpetrators were brought to justice.

The council also acknowledged the support of the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs) Glory Ekah, for peace, security and residents’ welfare, while calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and fishermen.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had reportedly received intelligence at about 7 a.m. on September 30 regarding the abduction of fishermen along the Ibeno waterways.

Following the confirmation by the Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, operatives of the Asawana Mobile Police Base were deployed to confront the suspected pirates near the boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

The operation reportedly resulted in a fierce gun battle during which the security personnel overpowered the suspected criminals, who abandoned their boats and other items before fleeing into the creeks. The hostages were subsequently rescued.

The council stressed that the rescue operation should mark the beginning of a more sustained campaign against maritime crime, warning that the continued activities of pirates and kidnappers posed a serious threat to fishing, commercial activities and the livelihoods of residents.

Udofia noted that Ibeno occupied a strategic position in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing to the nation’s energy supply and economic growth. Its coastal location also supports fishing, maritime transportation and other commercial activities that sustain thousands of livelihoods.

He said the area’s economic importance made the protection of its waterways a matter of both local and national interest, adding that insecurity could disrupt oil and gas operations, undermine legitimate businesses and discourage investment.

According to him, persistent attacks on fishermen and other maritime operators could further weaken economic activities, threaten food security and erode public confidence in the ability of security agencies to protect coastal communities.

“The activities of pirates, kidnappers and other criminal elements threaten oil and gas operations, disrupt legitimate businesses and endanger residents’ livelihoods. Sustained insecurity could undermine investor confidence and cripple economic activities,” Udofia stated.

The council maintained that Ibeno’s contribution to the national economy demanded a secure environment where businesses could operate without disruption, fishermen could work without fear, and residents could pursue their livelihoods in peace.

According to Chief Udofia, “Ibeno occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing to the nation’s energy supply and economic growth. Its coastal location also supports fishing, maritime transportation and other commercial activities that sustain thousands of livelihoods.

“Securing the area is, therefore, vital not only to local economic development but also to the protection of critical economic interests.

“The activities of pirates, kidnappers and other criminal elements threaten oil and gas operations, disrupt legitimate businesses and endanger residents’ livelihoods. Sustained insecurity could undermine investor confidence and cripple economic activities.

“The council insists that Ibeno’s importance to the national economy demands a secure environment where businesses operate without disruption, fishermen work without fear, and residents live in peace”.

It therefore called on the police, the Navy and other relevant security agencies to sustain pressure on maritime criminals through regular patrols, effective intelligence gathering and coordinated operations, insisting that the waterways must remain safe for legitimate economic activities.