A major breakthrough in the fight against militancy in the Niger Delta was recorded on 6 Aug 26 as personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO stormed a suspected militant camp at FUNUNU Community in Brass LGA Bayelsa State arresting three associates of wanted militant kingpin, Mr SUNDAY GODLAW, who has been terrorizing neibouring communities while also involving in various nefarious activities including illegal black sand mining, sea robbery and piracy
The operation was conducted following credible intelligence linking the camp to attacks on communities within the FORMOSA Island, the troops led by the Base Operations Officer Lt Cdr Success Chukwu swiftly moved in and raided the camp arresting a 58 year old Mrs Egoibiye Warri, 65 year old Mr Jacob Jugbu and a 19 year old Mr John Ibogomo.
Following the raid, a search of the camp yielded a cache of items including a pump action rifle with two live cartridges, three AK 47 magazines, four walkie talkies, a ballistic vest, two camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, a power bank, machetes and a motorcycle.
Speaking after the raid, the Commanding Officer FOB FORMOSO, Capt SK Haruna
Commended the troops for the successful operation and a display of professionalism, courage and operational discipline, noting that the operation was conducted without any casualty.
However, the alleged militant kingpin Mr Sunday Godlaw, reportedly escaped alongside other suspects during the operation while the three arrested suspects and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), Bayelsa State Command, on 7 Aug 26 by the Base Operations Officer for further investigation and necessary action.
The successful raid underscores the renewed efforts by the Nigerian Navy to dismantle militant networks and restore peace across vulnerable communities and the waterways in the Niger Delta.