The Nigerian Navy has destroyed a suspected militant camp in a creek near Kalama Community, Rivers State, as part of its ongoing offensive against maritime crime under Operation SIO IDIOK OWO.
According to a press statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the targeted clearance operation was carried out on Friday, 24 July 2026 by the Operation Assault Team of NNS JUBILEE.
The operation took place in a creek near Kalama Community, bordering Otoyo Community in Akwa Ibom State. Acting on credible intelligence, naval personnel mounted overwhelming pressure that forced the suspected militants to abandon the camp.
Images released by the Navy show personnel securing the location, recovering items, and setting structures ablaze. Items recovered include: ammunition, camouflage uniform, tactical vest and backpack, life jackets, two generators, a television set, standing fan, and other personal effects.
The camp structures, made of thatch and corrugated iron, were subsequently destroyed. The Navy said the destruction denied the criminal network a key operational base believed to have supported the planning, coordination and sustenance of criminal activities within surrounding waterways.
Operation SIO IDIOK OWO means “Remove Criminals”. It was launched by the Commander of NNS JUBILEE, Commodore Mohammed Abubakar Manga, to strengthen maritime security through intelligence-driven patrols, surveillance and targeted interdiction across the Base’s Area of Operations.
The Navy stated that by dismantling such infrastructure, it has degraded the group’s ability to regroup, store logistics, launch attacks, and threaten legitimate maritime and economic activities in the area.
“The operation demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s proactive strategy of dismantling criminal infrastructure before it can be exploited to undermine maritime security,” the statement said.
The Navy added that it remains resolute in sustaining Operation SIO IDIOK OWO and other ongoing operations to deny criminal groups the space, logistics and infrastructure needed to perpetrate maritime crimes, while safeguarding lives, critical national assets and the nation’s Blue Economy.
