The Nigerian Navy has launched a major offensive against armed militants and kidnappers along the Calabar–Oron channel in Cross River State, targeting criminal hotspots and disrupting illegal activities in the region. The operation, conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Victory and Forward Operating Base FOB Ibaka, focused on Dayspring Island following a sharp increase in kidnappings and related crimes in the area. According to Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, Navy, the mission was aimed at dismantling militant networks and restoring security in the vulnerable waterways.
The offensive led to the destruction of a hideout linked to a long-wanted militant kingpin known as “Juju,” a figure previously associated with violent crimes and sabotage in the region. Folorunsho confirmed that naval personnel, supported by the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade, conducted coordinated raids that forced suspected militants to abandon their camps and flee into the surrounding creeks. The operation also resulted in the establishment of a forward security outpost at Idung 1, also known as Peacock Crossing, which now serves as a strategic base for monitoring and controlling movement in the area.
This new outpost enhances the military’s ability to dominate key waterways and prevent militants from using the dense network of creeks for smuggling, kidnapping, and other criminal enterprises. The navy’s actions are part of a broader strategy to secure the Niger Delta and its surrounding regions, where insecurity has long disrupted oil production and endangered local communities. The collaboration between naval and army units underscores the government’s commitment to a unified approach in combating maritime insecurity.
Folorunsho emphasized that the exploitation of the area revealed critical infrastructure used by militants, including hidden camps and storage facilities. The destruction of these assets weakens the operational capacity of criminal groups and sends a strong message to other potential offenders. He noted that the navy remains vigilant and will continue to conduct similar operations to ensure lasting peace and safety in the region.
The operation marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to curb maritime crime and protect civilians in the Niger Delta. With the establishment of the forward outpost and the dismantling of a key militant hideout, security forces have gained a tactical advantage in the fight against armed groups. The success of this mission could serve as a model for future operations in other high-risk zones across the country.
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