Navy raids militants camp in Bayelsa, arrests associates of wanted kingpin

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its efforts to dismantle militant networks in the Niger Delta, recently conducting a raid on a suspected militant camp in Fununu Community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals identified as associates of a wanted kingpin.

According to Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the raid was carried out by personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso on August 6, 2026. The primary target was Sunday Godlaw, a wanted kingpin allegedly involved in criminal activities such as sea robbery, piracy, and illegal black sand mining within the region.

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The operation, conducted by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso on 6 August 2026, resulted in the arrest of three suspected associates of a wanted militant kingpin, Sunday Godlaw, who is allegedly linked to criminal activities including sea robbery, piracy and illegal black sand mining within the area.

During the search of the camp, naval personnel recovered a pump-action rifle with two live cartridges, three AK-47 magazines, four walkie-talkies, a ballistic vest, two camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, a power bank, machetes, and a motorcycle. Notably, no casualties were reported during the operation.

The wanted kingpin, Sunday Godlaw, along with other members of his group, managed to escape the naval offensive. The three arrested suspects and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Bayelsa State on August 7, 2026, for further investigation and appropriate action. The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to maintaining security in the Niger Delta through continued operations in collaboration with other security agencies.

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The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to dismantling criminal and militant networks, denying them freedom of action and preventing the use of riverine communities as safe havens for unlawful activities.