The Nigerian Navy has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing operations against militancy and criminal activities in the Calabar waterways, disrupting a suspected militant financing network in Dayspring Island, Cross River State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the Forward Security Outpost on Dayspring Island following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected militants operating within the Ini Abasi fishing settlement in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to the Navy, intelligence reports revealed that the location served as a meeting point and operational base for criminal elements who emerged from adjoining creeks to coordinate attacks, intimidate residents, extort fishermen and maritime transport operators, and engage in other unlawful activities within the area.
Acting on the intelligence, naval personnel conducted a targeted raid on the suspected hideout and carried out a thorough search of the settlement.
Although the suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the advancing troops, the operation led to the recovery of several wraps of suspected cannabis sativa and a handwritten ledger containing names and monetary entries amounting to ₦5.529 million.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered ledger was used to document illegal levies collected from local fishermen and maritime transport operators. The proceeds are believed to have served as a major source of funding for militant operations and other criminal enterprises operating within the Dayspring Island axis.
The Navy described the operation as a significant step towards dismantling the financial and logistical networks that sustain criminal activities in the maritime environment.
It noted that by targeting illicit revenue streams, security forces are weakening the operational capacity of criminal groups and denying them access to resources needed to sustain their activities.
Following the raid, naval personnel engaged with community leaders and residents, reassuring them of the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a sustained security presence and conducting intelligence-driven operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the waterways.
SINL NIgeria Online reports that the Nigerian Navy reiterated its determination to sustain aggressive patrols, targeted raids and community-focused engagements to eliminate criminal elements, disrupt their support networks and create a secure environment for legitimate economic activities to thrive within the nation’s maritime domain.
