Navy Dismantles Extortion Syndicate Targeting Fishermen, Commuters in Rivers Waterways

The Nigerian Navy says it has dismantled a criminal syndicate accused of extorting fishermen, traders and other users of the waterways in the Bonny Creek area of Rivers State, dealing what it described as a significant blow to organised criminal activities along one of the state's key maritime corridors.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army, targeted a suspected criminal hideout in Asaramatoru Community, where intelligence reports indicated the gang had established a base for launching attacks and collecting illegal levies from residents and commuters.

According to the Navy, the suspects fled the location as security operatives closed in on the hideout, leaving behind several items considered valuable to ongoing investigations.

Briefing journalists through an operational report released in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal group.

He explained that although the suspects escaped before troops arrived, a thorough search of the hideout yielded several items believed to have operational and intelligence value.

Among the recovered exhibits were a 7.62mm empty magazine, the butt of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), several Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards and other materials that investigators believe could assist in identifying members of the criminal network.

"Items recovered include a 7.62mm empty magazine, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) butt, several ATM cards and other items of intelligence value," Folorunsho said.

The Navy said preliminary engagement with members of the affected community revealed that the criminal group had turned the area into a safe haven from which it carried out attacks on fishermen and other users of the waterways.

According to local residents, the gang imposed illegal levies on fishermen and boat operators while also demanding a share of proceeds from market traders operating within the community.

"The members of the community said the group extorts residents and demand proceeds from market sales," Folorunsho stated.

He added that the successful operation had disrupted the activities of the syndicate and restored confidence among residents who had lived under constant intimidation.

"The operation has therefore restored confidence among the affected community and disrupted the activities of the criminal syndicate within the Bonny Creek corridor."

Beyond the immediate success of the raid, the Navy disclosed that intelligence gathered during the operation would support follow-up missions aimed at identifying, tracking and dismantling other members of the criminal network believed to be operating within the wider Bonny Creek axis.

Folorunsho reaffirmed the service's commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to improve security across Nigeria's coastal communities and waterways.

He assured Nigerians that the Navy would continue to work with other security agencies to deny criminal elements safe havens for illegal activities.

According to him, the Navy remains focused on preventing the nation's waterways from being exploited for crimes such as kidnapping, sea robbery, extortion and other forms of organised criminality.

The latest operation underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to strengthen security across the Niger Delta's extensive network of creeks and waterways, where criminal groups have historically exploited difficult terrain to engage in piracy, illegal bunkering, kidnapping and attacks on riverine communities.