The Nigerian Navy has raided a suspected militant camp at Fununu Community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, arresting three suspected associates of a wanted militant kingpin, Sunday Godlaw.
The operation, conducted on August 6, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, was part of sustained efforts to dismantle militant and criminal networks operating across the Niger Delta.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Godlaw is wanted over alleged involvement in criminal activities, including sea robbery, piracy and illegal black sand mining in the area.
During a search of the camp, the naval personnel recovered a pump-action rifle loaded with two live cartridges, three AK-47 magazines, four walkie-talkies, a ballistic vest and two camouflage uniforms.
Other items recovered included mobile phones, a power bank, machetes and a motorcycle.
The Navy said no casualty was recorded during the operation, while the suspected kingpin and some other members of the group reportedly fled the area as the troops moved in.
The three arrested suspects and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Bayelsa State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) on August 7 for further investigation and necessary action.
The Navy said the operation underscores its commitment to dismantling criminal and militant networks, denying them freedom of action and preventing the use of riverine communities as safe havens for unlawful activities.
It added that it would continue to conduct operations in collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives and property, secure coastal communities and maintain a safe maritime environment across the Niger Delta.
