The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO in Bayelsa in collaboration with local security personnel arrested a wanted militant kingpin.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Base Information Officer, Sub-Lt. Japhet Dauda.
“The arrest followed credible intelligence report regarding the continued movement and activities of the wanted suspect who had been on the run since the raid on his camp at Fununu Community, on Aug. 6,’ the navy said.
Speaking on the operation, the Commanding Officer (CO), Capt. Sunday Haruna, 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.
He added that the operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, three loaded magazines and a mobile phone from the suspects.
Haruna said in the course of interrogation, the suspect and his 2iC confessed to terrorising, kidnapping and sometimes killing of innocent civilians within neighboring communities, which made the communities to live in constant fear.
According to him, 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.
The CO 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.
The CO said the suspects are in custody for further investigation and interrogation.
