The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on militant groups and kidnappers within the Cross River maritime domain, seizing several boats and high-capacity outboard engines during a series of follow-up operations in the Calabar waterways.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the offensive is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the logistics networks that enable criminal activities and maritime instability in the region.
The latest maneuvers targeted known enclaves at Dayspring Island, where naval troops previously destroyed a militant hideout and established a forward security outpost.
During a sweep of the surrounding bushes and structures linked to suspected insurgents, personnel discovered and confiscated 10 concealed outboard engines.
Capt. Folorunsho noted that maintaining constant pressure on these identified hideouts is essential to denying criminal elements the breathing room needed to regroup.
In a separate tactical advancement triggered by fresh intelligence, naval forces pushed into the creeks near Akpamfi. The arrival of the troops forced militants to abandon their positions and flee into the dense terrain, leaving behind two fibre boats and a powerful 200-horsepower outboard engine.
These assets, which the Navy identifies as critical components for militant mobility and kidnappings, were recovered and secured by the raiding party.
Capt. Folorunsho emphasized that these sustained operations have significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the militants, effectively restricting their movement and flushing them out of former safe havens.
Reaffirming the Navy’s stance, the spokesperson stated that the offensive will continue unabated until the waterways are fully secured for legitimate economic activities and all criminal elements are eradicated from the coastal corridors.
