By Gloria Attah
The Nigerian Navy says it has uncovered a suspected staging camp linked to hostile activities within the Rivers–Bayelsa creek corridor during intensified security patrols in the Niger Delta region.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain A.A. Folorunsho, the discovery was made by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS SOROH, deployed around the Soku area following suspicious movements along the waterways.
Naval operatives reportedly intercepted suspicious activity involving a high-powered speedboat carrying six individuals dressed in unconfirmed uniforms. The boat was said to have moved from Sangama Community toward Russia Community Creek near the Olowaseri area of Bayelsa State before dropping off three persons in what officials described as a suspicious manner.
The unusual movement prompted further surveillance and the deployment of a patrol team to investigate the area.
Subsequent operations led to the discovery of a concealed hideout and suspected staging camp within the creek.
During the raid, naval personnel recovered 50 rounds of 7.62 millimeter special ammunition hidden inside a water container, alongside old vehicle batteries, electrical wires and containers filled with unidentified foul-smelling substances.
The Navy says preliminary findings suggest some of the recovered materials may have been intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices or acts of pipeline vandalism and sabotage within the area.
Authorities confirmed that the camp and related materials were destroyed to prevent further criminal use, while the recovered ammunition and selected items remain in custody for further investigation.
The Nigerian Navy says the operation reflects its continued commitment to intelligence-driven patrols and efforts aimed at denying criminal elements operational footholds within the nation’s maritime environment.
