The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on maritime crime, recording a major operational success against militant networks operating along the Calabar–Oron channel in Cross River State.
In a statement issued on Friday, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka carried out coordinated clearance operations on Dayspring Island following a spike in kidnappings and related criminal activities in the area.
According to him, the operation was reinforced by the establishment of a forward security outpost at Idung 1, also known as Peacock Crossing, which has strengthened the Navy’s tactical control of surrounding creeks and waterways.
He explained that the offensive forced suspected militants to flee their positions under pressure from advancing naval troops, while joint operations with the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade helped secure critical waterways and restrict the movement of criminal elements.
Folorunsho added that further exploitation of the area led to the discovery and destruction of a militant hideout linked to a wanted suspect identified as “Juju” in the Idung axis. The suspect reportedly escaped, abandoning two boats fitted with outboard engines, which were seized by the troops, while the camp was demolished to prevent future use.
The Navy spokesman also disclosed that one suspected informant linked to the militant group was apprehended during the operation and is currently in custody undergoing interrogation before prosecution.
To consolidate the gains, the Navy has imposed a 13-hour restriction on maritime movement between 5:00 pm and 6:00 am within the affected waterways.
Before the intervention, militants had reportedly operated freely, engaging in kidnappings and extorting riverine communities. However, the sustained naval offensive has significantly degraded their capacity and disrupted their logistics network.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining sustained pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of maritime activities in the region.
