Navy, Army raid ‘Juju’ gang hideout, destroy camp, arrest suspected informant
Troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA, and the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade on Sunday stormed a hideout of a notorious criminal gang
Troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA, and the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade on Sunday stormed a hideout of a notorious criminal gang led by a suspect identified as “Juju” in the Idung axis of Cross River State, destroying the camp and apprehending a suspected informant.
The operation followed the recent surge in kidnappings and related criminal activities along the Calabar–Oron channel of the state, according to the Navy's spokesperson, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, in a statement.
Folorunsho said the operation was based on establishing a forward security outpost at Idung 1 (Peacock Crossing), which provided a tactical foothold for sustained dominance of the creeks and adjoining waterways.
According to him, the rapid offensive forced suspected militants to abandon their positions and flee upon contact with advancing naval troops.
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Folorunsho said, “Maintaining relentless pressure, Nigerian Navy personnel, in conjunction with troops of the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade, secured key waterways and denied the criminals freedom of movement.
“Exploitation of the area led to the discovery and destruction of a militant hideout linked to a notorious suspect known as “Juju” in the Idung axis. The suspect fled in disarray, abandoning two outboard-powered boats, which were immediately seized. The hideout was subsequently demolished to eliminate its future use as a criminal sanctuary.
“Further tightening the noose, troops tracked and apprehended one suspected informant providing support to the militant network. The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
The Navy's spokesperson said a 13-hour restriction on maritime movement, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., has been enforced within the operational area in order to consolidate operational gains and curb criminal activity.
“Prior to the intervention, militant elements operated with impunity, conducting kidnappings and extorting riverine communities.
The sustained naval onslaught has now degraded their operational capability, disrupted their logistics, and confined their activities deep within the creeks,” he said.
