By Nkechi Eze
Personnel of the Nigerian Navy have uncovered a suspected staging camp linked to hostile activities within the Rivers–Bayelsa creek corridor, recovering ammunition and materials believed to be associated with the fabrication of improvised explosive devices during a security operation in the area.
According to an official signed statement by Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the discovery followed intensified surveillance and patrol operations conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed around the Soku axis.
The statement disclosed that naval operatives became suspicious after sighting a high-powered speedboat fitted with a 200-horsepower engine conveying six individuals dressed in unconfirmed uniforms while moving from Sangama Community towards Russia Community Creek bordering the Olowaseri area of Bayelsa State.
The occupants were reportedly observed dropping off three persons in what was described as a suspicious manner before the boat retreated into adjoining creeks, prompting the immediate deployment of a patrol team to further investigate the unusual movement.
The Navy stated that follow-on exploitation of the area led to the discovery of a concealed hideout and suspected staging camp within the creek environment.
Items recovered during the operation included 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition hidden inside a water container, as well as old vehicle batteries, assorted electrical wires and containers holding unidentified foul-smelling substances tied with red straps.
Preliminary assessment by naval personnel, according to the statement, indicated that some of the recovered materials could have been intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices or for acts linked to pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage within the region.
The Navy added that the suspected camp and associated materials were subsequently destroyed to prevent further criminal use, while the recovered ammunition and selected exhibits were taken into custody for further investigation.
The statement noted that the operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained vigilance and proactive security posture across strategic waterways and creek systems in the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Navy further reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven patrols and surveillance operations aimed at denying criminal and hostile elements the freedom to establish operational bases within the maritime domain.
