The Nigerian Navy said it has disrupted an extortion syndicate operating along the Bonny Creek axis of Rivers State, restoring freedom of movement for fishermen, commuters and residents who had been subjected to persistent intimidation and illegal levies.
In a statement on Tuesday, Navy spokesperson, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminals operating from a hideout in Asaramatoru Community.
According to the statement, the joint operation forced the suspects to flee their hideout, while security operatives recovered several items, including a 7.62mm empty magazine, the butt of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), multiple ATM cards and other materials considered valuable for intelligence.
The Navy said interactions with members of the community revealed that the criminal group had turned the area into a base for launching attacks on fishermen and commuters, extorting residents and demanding a share of proceeds from market sales.
It noted that the operation had restored confidence among affected communities and significantly disrupted the activities of the criminal syndicate operating within the Bonny Creek corridor.
The statement added that intelligence gathered during the operation would support follow-up actions aimed at identifying, tracking and dismantling the wider criminal network in the area.
Reaffirming its commitment to maritime security, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue intelligence-driven operations to protect coastal communities and prevent criminal elements from exploiting Nigeria’s waterways for kidnapping, sea robbery, extortion and other illegal activities.
