Navy Takes Down Militant Hideout, Seizes Boats, Engines in Cross River
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against militants and kidnappers operating within the Calabar waterways, recording further operational gains in follow-up clearance operations at Dayspring Island in Cross River State.
Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 that this development follows an earlier onslaught by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka.
He said that the operation led to the destruction of a key militant hideout, the establishment of a forward security outpost at Idung I (Peacock Crossing), and the arrest of a suspected collaborator.
Troops have since maintained continuous pressure across identified militant enclaves within the island.
During the follow-up operations, troops uncovered 10 outboard boat engines concealed within adjoining bushes and inside a nearby structure, close to the previously destroyed residence linked to a suspected militant known as “Juju.” All items were immediately seized and secured.
In a related operation based on fresh intelligence, troops advanced into a creek near Akpamfi, where additional militant logistics had been concealed.
On sighting advancing naval personnel, the militants fled, abandoning two fibre boats and one 200-horsepower outboard engine. The equipment was confiscated and towed to the naval security outpost.
According to Capt. Folorunsho, these sustained operations are part of a deliberate effort to dismantle the logistics backbone of militant groups, as fibre boats and high-powered outboard engines remain critical enablers of their criminal activities across the waterways.
He added that the continued offensive has significantly degraded the operational capability of the militants, restricted their movement, and denied them safe havens within the area.
He asserted that the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining this pressure and will continue follow-up operations until all criminal elements are completely flushed out and the waterways are secured for legitimate activities.
The Navy spokesman encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations.
