The Cross River State Police Command has issued a formal clarification over an earlier report concerning the alleged abduction of 15 passengers travelling by boat from Calabar to Oron.
The Command said the initial statement mistakenly identified the vessel involved in the incident as a “Sea Express” boat, stressing that the craft was not operated by the company earlier mentioned.
In a statement released recently by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah Akata, the Command expressed regret over the error and apologised for the confusion generated by the inaccurate identification.
The clarification followed growing public concern surrounding the reported abduction incident along the Calabar Oron waterways, a route widely used by commuters and traders within the coastal region.
Police authorities noted that accuracy in public communication remains critical, particularly in sensitive security matters capable of triggering anxiety among residents and maritime operators.
The Command assured members of the public that efforts to rescue the victims and track down those behind the attack are ongoing through coordinated security operations.
According to the statement, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigerian Navy are actively collaborating with security operatives in Cross River State to strengthen the rescue mission.
Security agencies were said to have intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering across the coastal axis as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police further appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of escalating tension or undermining ongoing security operations.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, timely updates and professional policing, assuring that further developments on the investigation and rescue efforts would be communicated through official channels.