By Helen Udo.
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a suspected militant staging camp within the Rivers,Bayelsa creek corridor during intensified surveillance and security patrols aimed at curbing criminal activities in the Niger Delta waterways.
According to a press statement signed by AA Folorunsho, Navy Captain and Director Naval Information stated that,the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed around the Soku area following suspicious movements observed along the creeks.
Naval personnel reportedly sighted a high-powered speedboat fitted with a 200-horsepower engine conveying six unidentified individuals dressed in unconfirmed uniforms from Sangama Community towards Russia Community Creek near the Olowaseri area of Bayelsa State.
During surveillance, the occupants of the boat allegedly disembarked three persons at a suspicious location before speeding off into adjoining creeks, prompting naval operatives to launch a patrol and further investigation into the unusual movement, The statement revealed.
Follow-up exploitation of the area led to the discovery of a concealed hideout and suspected staging camp believed to have been used for hostile and unlawful activities within the creek environment.
During the operation, troops recovered 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition hidden inside a water container, alongside several other suspicious items linked to criminal operations in the area.
Additional materials recovered included old vehicle batteries, assorted electrical wires, and containers filled with unidentified foul-smelling substances tied with red straps, which preliminary assessments suggest may have been intended for improvised explosive device fabrication or pipeline sabotage.
The Nigerian Navy stated that the discovered camp and associated materials were destroyed on site to prevent further criminal use, while the recovered ammunition and selected exhibits were secured for detailed investigation.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence driven patrols and sustained surveillance operations across strategic waterways in the Niger Delta, stressing that ongoing efforts are aimed at denying criminal and hostile elements freedom to operate within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
