The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an emerging militant camp in the Soku axis of Rivers State, dealing another blow to criminal networks involved in maritime crime, illegal bunkering, and militancy in the Niger Delta.
The operation, carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, followed credible intelligence that members of a notorious militant network had relocated from the Nembe axis to establish a new operational base in the Soku area.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho disclosed this in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
According to Folorunsho, troops swiftly deployed to the suspected hideout after receiving intelligence on the group’s movement.
“On arrival, the patrol team observed clear signs of recent human activity consistent with efforts to establish a new camp,” he said.
He explained that a thorough search of the location led to the recovery of communication devices, accessories, about 150 meters of four-inch industrial hose believed to have been intended for illegal crude oil bunkering, as well as other items of operational value.
The camp was subsequently destroyed to prevent its use as a launchpad for criminal activity.
Folorunsho said preliminary intelligence linked the group to kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes across the Niger Delta.
He noted that the operation was strategically significant as it denied the militants the opportunity to re-establish operational footholds in the area.
According to him, the successful mission underscores the Nigerian Navy’s intelligence-driven strategy of identifying and dismantling criminal infrastructure before it becomes fully operational.
He added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to degrade the capabilities of militant groups and strengthen security within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and working closely with other security agencies and host communities to eliminate criminal networks and safeguard the nation’s maritime environment.
SOURCE: NAN
