By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its sustained campaign against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, following the arrest of suspected members of a notorious syndicate in Bayelsa State.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO in the early hours of April 25, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m.
The statement disclosed that the naval personnel, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a coordinated raid at Egbama-Angalabiri in Ekeramo Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Mr. Godwin, popularly known as “Idiot,” who is believed to be the leader of a pipeline vandalism syndicate operating within the Clough Creek axis.
The Navy explained that the operation was preceded by sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance, which confirmed the suspect’s involvement in recent attacks on critical oil and gas infrastructure, as well as details of his movements and hideouts. He was eventually apprehended at a nearby night market where he was allegedly extorting illegal levies from traders.
The statement further revealed that during a follow-up operation to search the suspect’s residence, naval personnel encountered armed resistance from members of the syndicate. However, the situation was swiftly contained through a coordinated tactical response, forcing the assailants to retreat.
A subsequent search of the residence led to the recovery of two handheld radios and other technical equipment linked to illegal activities. Further intelligence exploitation resulted in the arrest of another suspect, identified as Mr. Happiness, believed to be an associate, alongside the recovery of a pump-action gun.
Both suspects have since been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and prosecution.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and protecting critical national assets. It also reiterated its resolve to sustain aggressive operations against economic sabotage in collaboration with other security agencies, warning criminal elements to desist from such activities or face decisive consequences.
