By KENNEDY SHEYIN

The Nigerian Navy has raided a suspected militant camp at Fununu community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and apprehended three persons suspected to be associated with the militant kingpin.

This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available in Abuja.

Folorunsho said that the operation was a significant success in the navy’s sustained efforts to disrupt militant networks and strengthen security across vulnerable communities and waterways in the Niger Delta.

He disclosed that the operation was conducted by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO on Aug. 6, and resulted in the arrest of three suspected associates of a wanted militant kingpin.

“This wanted militant kingpin is allegedly linked to several criminal activities including sea robbery, piracy and illegal black sand mining within the area.

“A search of the camp led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle with two live cartridges, three AK-47 magazines, four walkie-talkies, a ballistic vest, two camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, a power bank, machetes and a motorcycle,” he said.

The director of naval information also disclosed that no casualty was recorded during the operation.

He said that the suspected kingpin and some other members of the group reportedly fled the area during the operation.

“The three arrested suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), Bayelsa Command, on Aug. 7 for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.

According to him, the operation underscores the navy’s continued commitment to dismantling criminal and militant networks, denying them freedom of action and preventing the use of riverine communities as safe havens for unlawful activities.

The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining operations in collaboration with relevant security agencies to protect lives and property, secure coastal communities and maintain a safe and secure maritime environment across the Niger Delta. (NAN)