Bonny, Rivers State — The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has dismantled a criminal extortion network operating along the Bonny Creek axis in Rivers State, in a major operation targeting insecurity in the Niger Delta waterways.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information.
The operation, carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, followed credible intelligence that led troops to a suspected hideout in Asaramatoru Community, Bonny Local Government Area.
During the raid conducted on June 16, 2026, the suspects fled the location, abandoning their base as security forces closed in.
A search of the area led to the recovery of a 7.62mm empty magazine, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) butt, several ATM cards, and other materials believed to be linked to the group’s activities. Additional items, including clothing and operational equipment, were also found scattered in nearby bushes.
The syndicate was reportedly responsible for extorting fishermen, commuters, and residents, while imposing illegal levies on market activities and using the area as a base to launch attacks along the waterways.
“The operation has restored confidence among the affected communities and disrupted the activities of the criminal syndicate within the Bonny Creek corridor,” the Navy said.
The service reiterated its commitment to sustained, intelligence-driven operations to combat sea robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and other criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Authorities added that intelligence gathered from the raid would support ongoing efforts to track and dismantle the wider criminal network operating in the area.
The operation took place within Ward IX Nanabie in Bonny Local Government Area, a location considered critical to economic and maritime activities in the Niger Delta.
