Navy continues clampdown on militant groups

The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday said it would continue to clampdown on militant groups and criminal elements in the Niger Delta.

This is contained in a statement signed by its Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, in Abuja.

It said that it had arrested one of the top leaders of a group called Bakassi Strike Force (BSF), adding that nabbing the suspected was part of efforts to eliminate unwholesome activities by criminals in the Niger Delta.

“The suspected militant, Mr Uduak Thompson aka SANGATA, was arrested on September 12, 2016 in his hideout in Calabar by a joint team from Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY and Defence Intelligence Agency,” it said.

The statement recalled that some top members of the BSF had earlier been arrested.

In a related development, the patrol team deployed by Naval Outpost (NOP) Ikuru has arrested four suspected sea robbers, who were alleged to be responsible for several attacks and robbery incidents.

According to the statement, they carry out these attacks at Oyorokoro, Ataba, Kaa and Oyorokoro communities in Andoni Local government area of Rivers.

“The gang was alleged to have particularly attacked market women on Sept. 4, 2016 at Oyorokoro Community.

“These arrests bring to fore, the commitment of the NN and other security agencies to stamp out the menace of criminal brigandage in the region.

“Investigation into these untoward activities has commenced and the perpetrators will be handed over to prosecuting agencies for further action,” the statement said.