Nigerian Navy Dismantles Militant Logistics, Recovers Boats in Calabar Waters

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has recorded fresh operational gains in its ongoing offensive against militants and kidnappers in the Calabar waterways, recovering boats and critical equipment used by criminal groups in Cross River State.

The latest operation, carried out at Dayspring Island, followed an earlier raid by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Victory and Forward Operating Base Ibaka, which led to the destruction of a key militant hideout and the arrest of a suspected collaborator.

In a statement on Monday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said troops sustained pressure on identified enclaves after the initial assault, leading to further discoveries.

According to him, operatives uncovered 10 outboard engines hidden in surrounding bushes and inside a nearby structure close to a residence linked to a suspected militant identified as “Juju.”

“All items were immediately seized and secured,” Folorunsho said, describing the recovery as part of efforts to disrupt the logistics chain sustaining criminal operations in the waterways.

He added that in a separate intelligence-driven mission, naval troops advanced into a creek near Akpamfi, where additional militant equipment had been concealed.

“On sighting the advancing troops, the militants fled, abandoning two fibre boats and a 200-horsepower outboard engine. The equipment was confiscated and towed to the naval security outpost,” he stated.

Folorunsho noted that the operations are aimed at dismantling the operational backbone of militant groups, particularly their mobility assets, which enable them to navigate waterways, launch attacks, and evade security forces.

“These sustained operations have significantly degraded the operational capacity of the militants, restricted their movement, and denied them safe havens within the area,” he said.

The Navy spokesman assured that the offensive would continue until all criminal elements are dislodged and the waterways are fully secured for legitimate economic activities.

He also urged residents to support ongoing operations by providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining this pressure and will continue follow-up operations until all criminal elements are completely flushed out,” he added.