Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Nigerian Navy says it has uncovered a suspected staging camp linked to hostile activities along the Rivers–Bayelsa creek corridor during intensified surveillance operations in the Niger Delta.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain AA Folorunsho, the discovery was made on May sixteenth by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS SOROH, deployed around the Soku area.
The Navy said the operation followed the interception of suspicious movements involving a high-powered speedboat conveying six persons dressed in unconfirmed uniforms from Sangama Community towards the Russia Community Creek near Olowaseri in Bayelsa State.
Naval personnel reportedly observed the occupants dropping off three individuals under suspicious circumstances before the boat sped off into adjoining creeks, prompting the deployment of a patrol team to investigate further.
The follow-up operation led to the discovery of a suspected hideout and staging camp concealed within the creek.
During the raid, operatives recovered 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition hidden inside a water container, alongside several materials suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
The Navy said additional items recovered included old vehicle batteries, assorted electrical wires, and containers filled with unidentified foul-smelling substances tied with red straps.
Preliminary findings, according to the Navy, suggest that some of the materials may have been intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices or for acts of pipeline vandalism and sabotage within the region.
The suspected camp and other dangerous materials were subsequently destroyed to prevent further criminal use, while the recovered ammunition and selected items have been taken into custody for further investigation.
The Nigerian Navy says the operation demonstrates its sustained commitment to intelligence-driven patrols and surveillance operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom within the nation’s waterways and creek systems.
The Navy also reaffirmed its resolve to maintain security across strategic maritime environments in the Niger Delta.