Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Navy has discovered a suspected staging camp linked to hostile activities within the Rivers–Bayelsa creek corridor following heightened surveillance and patrols in the area.
The discovery was made by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed at Soku area after suspicious movements by occupants of a high-powered speedboat attracted the attention of naval personnel conducting routine security operations within the waterways.
The boat, powered by a 200-horsepower engine, was initially observed conveying six persons dressed in adorned in unconfirmed uniforms while moving from Sangama Community towards Russia Community Creek bordering Olowaseri area of Bayelsa State. The individuals were subsequently observed disembarking three persons in a suspicious manner before the boat withdrew into the adjoining creeks. The unusual movement pattern prompted the deployment of a patrol team for to further interrogate the suspicious activity.
Follow-on exploitation of the location led to the discovery of a suspected hideout and staging camp concealed within the creek. During the operation, naval personnel recovered 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition concealed inside a water container, alongside other items suspected to support hostile and unlawful activities within the area.
Additional materials recovered at the site included old vehicle batteries, assorted electrical wires, and containers holding unidentified foul-smelling substances decorated with red straps. Preliminary assessment suggests that some of the recovered materials could be associated with attempts to fabricate improvised explosive devices or facilitate acts of pipeline vandalism and sabotage within the area.
The site and associated materials were subsequently destroyed to prevent further criminal use, while the recovered ammunition and selected items remain in custody for further investigation.
The operation reflects the Nigerian Navy’s continued vigilance and proactive security posture across strategic waterways and adjoining creek systems within the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven patrols and surveillance operations aimed at denying criminal and hostile elements the ability to establish operational footholds within the maritime environment.