Maritime forces launch assault on Dayspring Island, wiping out extremist strongholds

The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the country's maritime domain, with a recent operation targeting militants and kidnappers in the Calabar–Oron channel, located in Cross River State.

n

This major offensive was conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, with a focus on Dayspring Island, where kidnappings and related crimes had seen a significant surge.

n

According to Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Information, the operation resulted in the destruction of a hideout linked to a notorious militant kingpin known as “Juju”, who is currently wanted by the authorities.

n

The success of the operation was supported by the establishment of a forward security outpost at Idung 1, also known as Peacock Crossing, which provided troops with a strategic base to control surrounding creeks and waterways.

n

Working alongside troops from the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade, the naval personnel forced suspected militants to abandon their camps, securing key waterways and limiting their movement, while also discovering and destroying a militant hideout linked to “Juju” in the Idung area.

n

The hideout was subsequently demolished to prevent it from being used again as a base for criminal activities, and two boats fitted with outboard engines, which had been abandoned by the suspect, were seized by the authorities.

n

In a related development, a suspected informant believed to be working with the militant network was apprehended by troops and is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation before being prosecuted.

n

To build on the gains from the operation, the Navy has imposed a 13-hour restriction on maritime movement, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., within the affected area, in an effort to prevent further criminal activities.

n

Before the operation, militants had been operating freely in the area, carrying out kidnappings and extortion in riverine communities, but the sustained offensive has significantly weakened their capabilities and disrupted their logistics.

n

The Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment, allowing for lawful activities to take place without disruption.