The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a suspected staging camp linked to hostile activities in the Rivers–Bayelsa creek corridor, recovering ammunition and materials believed to be used for explosive-making during a security operation in the Niger Delta.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain AA Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy attached to NNS SOROH following heightened surveillance and patrols within the waterways.
The Navy said the discovery was made in the Soku area after naval personnel observed suspicious movements by occupants of a high-powered speedboat operating within the creeks.
The statement explained that the boat, powered by a 200-horsepower engine, was seen transporting six persons dressed in unconfirmed uniforms from Sangama Community towards Russia Community Creek near the Olowaseri axis of Bayelsa State.
Naval operatives reportedly became suspicious after three of the occupants disembarked in what was described as a suspicious manner before the boat retreated into adjoining creeks.
“The unusual movement pattern prompted the deployment of a patrol team to further interrogate the suspicious activity,” the statement noted.
Subsequent operations at the location led to the discovery of a suspected hideout and staging camp concealed within the creek.
During the raid, personnel recovered 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition hidden inside a water container, alongside several other items suspected to support unlawful activities in the area.
Additional items recovered included old vehicle batteries, assorted electrical wires, and containers filled with unidentified foul-smelling substances tied with red straps.
The Navy said preliminary assessment indicated that some of the materials could be linked to attempts to fabricate improvised explosive devices or facilitate pipeline vandalism and sabotage.
According to the statement, the site and associated materials were destroyed to prevent further criminal use, while the recovered ammunition and selected items were taken into custody for further investigation.
The Navy said the operation underscored its continued vigilance and proactive security posture across strategic waterways and creek systems in the Niger Delta.
It reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven patrols and surveillance operations aimed at preventing criminal and hostile groups from establishing operational bases within the maritime environment.
