In a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to strengthen security in the Niger Delta, personnel of Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, in conjunction with local security personnel on Sat 22 Aug 26 arrested a wanted militant kingpin, Mr Sunday Godlaw alongside his associate, Mr Prosper Tumbe at Opugbene, Akassa, in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The arrest followed credible intelligence report regarding the continued movement and activities of the wanted suspect Mr Sunday Godlaw who had reportedly been on the run since the raid on his camp at Fununu Community on 6 Aug 26 which he fled to a neighbouring community in an attempt to evade arrest.
Acting swiftly on intelligence, personnel tracked the suspect to Opugbene Community where he was apprehended alongside Mr Prosper Tumbe and recovered one AK 47 rifle, three loaded magazines and a mobile phone from the suspects.
The operation also triggered a pursuit of other suspected associates who reportedly fled into the surrounding bushes, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter. In the course of interrogation, Mr Sunday Godlaw and his 2iC confessed to terrorizing, kidnapping and sometimes killing of innocent civilians within neighboring communities, which made the communities to live in constant fear.
The successful arrest represents another major step in the ongoing intelligence driven efforts to dismantle militant networks and restore peace and security within the area of responsibility.
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. He further reiterated the commitment of the Base to sustained operations against criminal elements while the search operations remain on course to locate and apprehend other fleeing suspects. Meanwhile, Mr Sunday Godlaw and his associate, Mr Prosper Tumbe, are in custody for further investigation and interrogation.