Akwa Ibom State Police Command have declared one operative missing and two injured during a gun duel with suspected sea pirates dressed in military camouflage along the Oron-Calabar waterways corridor.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom Command who disclosed this Monday said the armed attackers came against the Marine Police Patrol Team 11 January at about 1:00 PM.

She stated that, ?The patrol team, during routine operation, came under heavy attack from the criminals who were armed and dressed in military camouflage.

?The assailants, numbering about 24 and operating in three speedboats, attempted to overpower our officers in a gun duel. Our officers put up brave fight but sustained losses.

?Two officers, Inspector Sunday Usuyak and Inspector Edet Enenyi, sustained gunshots and are receiving medical attention. One officer, Inspector Udi Emenyi, is currently unaccounted for.

?The Command has swung into immediate action, deploying a specialized search and rescue team to track and recover the missing officer. Nigerian Navy and other security services have been duly informed and collaborating with the Police for the operations.

?The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, visited the scene and assured residents of intensified patrols and heightened security in the affected areas.

?We call on members of the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations. The Command will keep the public updated as further developments unfold,? she added. (Courtesy, excluding headline, Vanguard)