The Nigerian Navy has recorded a significant operational breakthrough with the disruption of a suspected militant financing network operating within the waterways of Cross River State and the recovery of extortion records valued at over ₦5.5 million, alongside a cache of suspected illicit drugs.

This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Service, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.

The statement explained that the successful operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory stationed at the Forward Operating Base on Dayspring Island, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected militants within the Ini Abasi fishing settlement in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.

According to the statement, intelligence reports revealed that the location served as a strategic meeting point and operational base for criminal elements who emerged from surrounding creeks to coordinate attacks and other unlawful activities in the area.

It further explained that the suspects were reportedly involved in intimidating local residents, extorting fishermen and maritime transport operators, and perpetrating various criminal acts that threatened the security and economic stability of the waterways.

Acting on the intelligence, naval personnel launched a targeted raid on the suspected hideout and conducted a comprehensive search operation within the settlement.

Although the suspected militants fled the scene upon sighting the advancing naval troops, the operation led to the recovery of several wraps of suspected cannabis sativa and a handwritten ledger containing names and financial records amounting to ₦5.529 million.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the recovered ledger was used to document illegal levies imposed on fishermen and maritime transport operators, with the proceeds allegedly serving as a major source of funding for militant activities and other criminal enterprises in the area.

The statement added that the operation marked a major step in dismantling the financial and logistical structures sustaining criminal networks within the maritime domain, thereby weakening their operational capabilities and access to resources.

Following the raid, naval personnel engaged community leaders and residents, assuring them of the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to maintaining a robust security presence and conducting intelligence-driven operations to restore lasting peace across the waterways.

The Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain aggressive patrols, targeted operations, and community-based engagements aimed at eliminating criminal elements, disrupting their support networks, and creating a secure environment for legitimate maritime and economic activities to flourish. (TRIBUNE)