The Nigerian Navy has brought down a syndicate of extortionists who have been causing trouble for fisher folks and other people making use of the waterways at the Bonny Creek axis in Rivers State.
This was after intelligence on the actions of the syndicate was received, and the move was spearheaded by members of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny working in collaboration with Nigerian Army soldiers.
The Navy spokesperson, Abiodun Folorunsho, revealed that the security operatives launched an attack on a location where they suspected the criminals to be, prompting them to run away from the place.
The search at the hideout revealed several items, including an empty 7.62 mm magazine, the butt of a general-purpose machine gun, ATM cards, and other items useful for intelligence purposes.
According to security agencies, initial indications show that the gang had been using the hideout as a base for carrying out attacks and extortion on local fishermen, traders, and commuters moving in the creek. The community has also accused the gang of demanding money from market revenues and illegal levies from waterway users.
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After the raid, it was reported that residents felt relieved because the mission had brought back a feeling of safety to the community, which had lived in fear for many months.
According to the Navy, the operation was not only effective in disrupting the criminal organization but also generated intelligence that will be used in future operations against other criminals within the syndicate who are still out there.
Folorunsho reaffirmed that the Navy will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations along the waterways of Nigeria. According to him, the service will deny criminal organizations the opportunity to carry out their acts, particularly in places that are susceptible to kidnapping, robbery, and extortion.
The Navy reassured communities living along the coast that its security activities would be strengthened.
