By KENNEDY SHEYIN

The Nigerian Navy has disrupted an emerging militant camp in the Soku axis of Rivers in its sustained campaign against maritime crime and militancy.

This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

According to Folorunsho, following credible intelligence that a criminal group linked to a notorious militant network had relocated, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH swiftly deployed to a suspected militant hideout.

He said that the intelligence revealed that the militant network had moved from the Nembe axis to establish a new operational base within the Soku general area.

“On arrival, the patrol team observed clear signs of recent human activity consistent with efforts to establish a new camp.

“A systematic search of the location led to the recovery of communication devices, accessories, approximately 150 metres of 4-inch industrial hose suspected to be intended for illegal bunkering activities, and other items of operational interest.

“The camp was subsequently destroyed to prevent its future use for criminal activities,” he said.

Folorunsho added that preliminary intelligence indicated that the group was suspected to be involved in kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes.

He said this highlighted the strategic importance of the operation in denying criminal elements the opportunity to re-establish operational footholds within the area.

He also said that the operation underscored the navy’s proactive intelligence-led approach to combating maritime insecurity by disrupting criminal infrastructure before it became operational, while degrading Niger Delta militant group capabilities.

He reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations, strengthening maritime domain awareness, and collaborating with other security agencies and host communities in eliminating criminal networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment. (NAN)

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