By EHIGIMETOR IGBAUGBA

The Nigerian Navy has imposed a 13 hours curfew from 5am to 6pm on all maritime activities along the Calabar waterways as part of efforts to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities along Calabar-Oron channel.

This is contained in a statement by Lt.-Cdr. Suleiman Bala, spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Calabar.

He said that in response to the recent spate of kidnappings along Calabar-Oron channel, the Navy had also established a security outpost at Idung I (peacock crossing) on the island in Cross River.

Bala said the outpost was strategically established to enable naval forces effectively monitor activities in the creeks.

He said that the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY and Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA had conducted raids on fishing communities at Dayspring Island.

“The raids resulted in the clearance of suspected militant elements, who fled upon sighting personnel of NNS VICTORY and FOB IBAKA.

“However, troops of the Nigerian Navy alongside troops from Nigerian Army 13 Brigade subsequently maintained dominance over the creeks and adjoining waterways.

“The sustained presence led to the discovery of a militant hideout belonging to a suspected militant known as “juju” in Idung,” he said.

Bala disclosed that upon approach, the militant fled in a haste, abandoning two boats fitted with engines which were confiscated, and the hideout structure was subsequently demolished.

Similarly, the NNS VICTORY spokesperson said troops tracked and apprehended one suspect identified through intelligence as an informant for the militant group.

“The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation at the end of which he will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation,” he said.

On the deployment of troops, Bala noted that prior to the deployment, militant groups operated freely within the area, engaging in kidnapping and extortion of riverine communities.

According to him, the presence of troops has significantly constrained their activities, restricting them largely to the creeks and limiting their access to logistics.

The spokesman said the Nigerian Navy had resolved to “sustain this aggressive posture until all undesirable elements hiding within the creeks and communities are eliminated.” (NAN)

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