The Delta State Police Command recorded 14 abductions on the high sea between September 2017 and January 2018.
Police Public Relations Officer, Delta Command, DSP Aniamaka Andrew, made this known in a report released to SHIPS & PORTS DAILY.
The report stated that five kidnapping incidents were recorded in the period under review while four suspects were killed. Only two of the victims were rescued.
In addition, two sea piracy incidents were recorded while 14 victims were abducted in the process. Also one pipeline vandalization incident was said to have occurred at Osemele River.
“The areas where the kidnappings were said to have occurred are Enekorogha in Burutu Local Government Area, Nigerian Ports Authority waterside, Warri; Obitugbu waterside; Ajoki waterside and Koko River,” the report said.
It added that sea piracy also occurred at Tony Village, Burutu and Isaba River.
Four British missionaries were victims of kidnapping while the suspects along with their leader, Karowei reportedly died during a gun duel with the Joint Military Task Force operating in the Niger Delta area.
On efforts by the Police to curtail criminal activities on the waterways, Andrew said, “The Marine Police Formation of the Command has stepped up its operational activities along the waterways. We have also encouraged stronger synergy with other relevant security agencies towards effective policing of the waterways.
“Members of the public have equally been enjoined to provide security operatives with useful and timely information to help in checkmating criminal activities in the coastal areas, while security tips are from time to time given to encourage security consciousness of the citizens and corporate bodies in the areas.”
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