Navy intensifies crackdown on militants, destroys camps, seizes boats in Cross River

Personnel of the Nigerian Navy have stepped up operations against militant groups operating along the waterways of Cross River State, dismantling hideouts and confiscating critical equipment used in criminal activities on Dayspring Island.

In the latest offensive carried out over the weekend, naval forces, working alongside troops of the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade, stormed a militant camp in the Idung axis of Dayspring Island.

The camp is believed to be controlled by a wanted militant leader identified simply as “Juju.”

According to a statement by Abiodun Folorunsho, Navy Spokesman on Tuesday, the joint task force met little resistance during the raid as the suspect fled upon sighting advancing troops.

“However, the operation yielded significant recoveries, including two fibre boats fitted with outboard engines.

“The camp itself was subsequently razed to prevent its reuse as a criminal base.

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“As part of measures to curb insecurity across the riverine corridors, the Navy has enforced a 13-hour daily restriction on maritime movement, running from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

“The restriction targets the operational window commonly exploited by militants for kidnappings, piracy, and extortion of local communities along the Calabar–Oron waterways”, the statement said.

It further noted that operational base has been established at Idung 1, also known as Peacock Crossing.

“The outpost is strategically positioned to sustain round-the-clock surveillance and rapid response operations, ensuring continuous pressure on identified militant enclaves scattered across the island”, Navy added.

It also disclosed that further gains were recorded in a follow-up operation driven by actionable intelligence.

The explained that troops advanced into a creek near Akpamfi, where militants had concealed additional logistics. Upon sighting the approaching forces, the suspects again fled, abandoning two fibre boats and a high-capacity 200-horsepower outboard engine.

“The recovered equipment was promptly secured and transported to the naval security outpost for further action”, the statement added.

It emphasised that the operations are deliberately focused on dismantling the logistical backbone of militant groups.

It also noted that fibre boats and high-powered engines serve as critical tools enabling swift movement, attacks, and evasion across the creeks.

“These sustained operations are part of a deliberate effort to cripple the logistics that support militant activities on the waterways,” he said, adding that denying access to such equipment significantly weakens the groups’ operational reach.

The Navy maintained that the ongoing offensive has already yielded measurable impact, including restricting militant movement, destroying safe havens, and disrupting coordination among criminal elements within Dayspring Island.

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Authorities say the pressure will be sustained through continuous patrols, intelligence-driven raids, and follow-up operations until all identified threats are neutralised.

The Navy reiterated its commitment to restoring security along the waterways, assuring residents and legitimate users of the Calabar–Oron maritime corridor of safer conditions for economic and social activities.