By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and destroyed a suspected criminal staging camp in the Rivers–Bayelsa creek corridor during ongoing security patrols aimed at curbing illegal activities within the Niger Delta waterways.
The operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following intensified surveillance operations around the Soku axis and adjoining creek channels.
According to the Navy, the discovery followed the interception of suspicious movements involving a high-powered speedboat fitted with a 200-horsepower engine. The boat was reportedly conveying six individuals dressed in unconfirmed uniforms while navigating from Sangama Community toward the Russia Community Creek near the Olowaseri area of Bayelsa State.
Naval personnel observed the occupants disembark three persons under suspicious circumstances before the boat retreated into nearby creeks, prompting the deployment of a patrol team to investigate the activity further.
Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the discovery of a concealed hideout believed to serve as a staging camp for hostile operations within the creek environment.
During the operation, troops recovered 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition hidden inside a water container, alongside several items suspected to be linked to criminal operations in the area.
Other materials recovered included old vehicle batteries, electrical wires, and containers filled with unidentified foul-smelling substances wrapped with red straps. Preliminary assessments indicated that the items could be associated with the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or acts of pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage.
The Navy said the camp and associated materials were destroyed on site to prevent further criminal use, while recovered ammunition and selected exhibits have been secured for further investigation.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven patrols and coordinated maritime security operations across the Niger Delta to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the nation’s waterways.
