The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a suspected militant network and arrested three suspects during a raid on a suspected militant camp in Fununu Community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across vulnerable communities and waterways in the Niger Delta.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to him, the operation led to the arrest of three suspected associates of a wanted militant kingpin allegedly involved in criminal activities, including sea robbery, piracy and illegal black sand mining in the area.
Folorunsho said the naval team recovered a pump-action rifle loaded with two live cartridges, three AK-47 magazines, four walkie-talkies, a ballistic vest and two camouflage uniforms.
Other items recovered from the camp included mobile phones, a power bank, machetes and a motorcycle.
He said no casualties were recorded during the operation.
The naval spokesperson added that the suspected kingpin and some other members of the group escaped during the raid.
The three suspects and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), Bayelsa State Command, on August 7, 2026, for further investigation and necessary action.
Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s determination to dismantle criminal and militant networks and prevent riverine communities from being used as safe havens for unlawful activities.
He assured residents that the Nigerian Navy would continue to work with other security agencies to protect lives and property, secure coastal communities and maintain a safe maritime environment across the Niger Delta.
