What began as a routine patrol along the creeks of the Niger Delta has led Nigerian Navy personnel to a concealed camp and the recovery of ammunition and materials suspected to support illegal activities in the Rivers–Bayelsa waterways.

The discovery was made by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, deployed around the Soku general area, where heightened surveillance has been ongoing in response to rising security concerns across the creek corridors.

Naval sources said attention was first drawn to a high-powered speedboat fitted with a 200-horsepower engine, moving unusually through the waterways. The vessel reportedly carried six occupants dressed in attire resembling uniforms, travelling from the Sangama axis toward creek communities near the Bayelsa border.

What initially appeared to be normal movement quickly raised suspicion when the boat reportedly paused within the creek network and offloaded a few passengers in a manner considered irregular before continuing deeper into the waterways.

That brief moment was enough to trigger closer monitoring.Acting on the unusual pattern, naval personnel traced the movement and later conducted a follow-up sweep of the surrounding area. It was during this exploitation of the location that officers stumbled on a concealed structure hidden within the creek environment—described as a possible staging point for coordinated illegal operations.

Inside the site, personnel recovered 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition carefully hidden inside a water container.

Other items found included old vehicle batteries, electrical wiring, and containers with unidentified substances, some of which gave off a strong odour. Investigators believe the materials may have been assembled for use in illegal activities, including possible sabotage or fabrication of improvised explosive devices.

The camp was immediately dismantled on site to prevent any further use, while all recovered materials were taken into custody for investigation and intelligence analysis.

Security officials say the discovery reflects how criminal groups continue to exploit the complex waterways of the Niger Delta, using hidden creek routes to move personnel and materials while avoiding detection.

The Nigerian Navy has since intensified patrols across the Rivers–Bayelsa maritime corridor, with officials insisting that sustained surveillance and rapid response operations will remain key to denying criminal elements space to regroup within the region. (The Guardian)

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