Nigerian Navy has uncovered a suspected staging camp allegedly linked to hostile activities along the Rivers-Bayelsa creek corridor, recovering ammunition and materials believed to be used for illegal operations in the area.
The discovery followed intensified surveillance and patrol operations by personnel of Nigerian Navy within the waterways.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain AA Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of NNS SOROH deployed around the Soku axis.
Captain Folorunsho said operatives became suspicious after sighting a high-powered speedboat powered by a 200-horsepower engine moving from Sangama Community towards Russia Community Creek bordering the Olowaseri area of Bayelsa State.
He said the boat was reportedly conveying six persons dressed in what the Navy described as unconfirmed uniforms. Naval personnel later observed the occupants dropping off three persons in what was described as a suspicious manner before the boat sped off into adjoining creeks.
He said the unusual movement prompted the deployment of a patrol team to investigate the area further.
According to him, a follow-up operation later led to the discovery of a suspected hideout and staging camp concealed deep within the creek.
“During the raid, naval personnel recovered 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition hidden inside a water container, alongside other materials suspected to aid unlawful activities within the region.
“Items recovered from the camp included old vehicle batteries, assorted electrical wires and containers filled with unidentified foul-smelling substances tied with red straps.
The Navy spokesman said preliminary findings suggested that some of the recovered materials could be linked to attempts to fabricate improvised explosive devices or facilitate pipeline vandalism and sabotage activities in the area.
Captain Folorunsho said the suspected camp and associated materials were destroyed to prevent further criminal use, while the recovered ammunition and selected items had been taken into custody for further investigation.
He said the operation underscored its continued vigilance and proactive security operations across strategic waterways and creek systems in the Niger Delta.
The Director Naval Information also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven patrols and surveillance operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of operation within the maritime environment.
