The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, who detailed how personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO executed the successful operation.
The Nigerian Navy has cracked down on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, following the arrest of suspected members of a notorious syndicate in Bayelsa State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, who detailed how personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO executed the successful operation.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out in the early hours of April 25, 2026, at about 0300 hours, when naval operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed Egbama-Angalabiri community in Ekeramo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The statement read, “On 25 April 2026 at about 0300 hours, FOB FORMOSO personnel, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a well-coordinated raid at Egbama-Angalabiri in Ekeramo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. ”
The Navy said the raid led to the arrest of one Mr. Godwin, popularly known by his alias “Idiot,” who has been identified as the leader of a well-organised pipeline vandalism syndicate operating within the Clough Creek axis.
“The operation led to the arrest of one Mr. Godwin, also known as “Idiot,” identified as the leader of a notorious pipeline vandalism syndicate operating within the Clough Creek axis.”
Naval authorities further revealed that intelligence reports had also provided precise details regarding the suspect’s residence and movement patterns, enabling operatives to track and apprehend him.
Godwin was eventually arrested at a nearby night market, where he was reportedly engaged in extorting illegal levies from unsuspecting traders.
“The successful operation followed sustained intelligence and surveillance which confirmed the suspect’s involvement in recent attacks on critical oil and gas infrastructure, as well as details of his residence and movement patterns. The suspect was apprehended at a nearby night market where he was reportedly extorting illegal levies from traders.
“During a follow-on operation to search his residence, naval personnel encountered resistance from armed members of the syndicate. The situation was swiftly brought under control through a coordinated tactical response, forcing the assailants to withdraw.,” Folorunsho stated.
He added that the situation was swiftly contained through a coordinated tactical response by the naval team, forcing the armed assailants to retreat and abandon their position.
A subsequent search of the residence yielded critical items, including two handheld communication radios and other technical tools believed to have been used in coordinating illegal pipeline vandalism activities.
The Navy said further exploitation of intelligence obtained from the arrested suspect led to the apprehension of another individual identified as Mr. Happiness, who is believed to be a key associate within the criminal network.
During the extended operation, security personnel also recovered a pump-action gun, raising further concerns about the level of sophistication and armament of the syndicate.
Both suspects have since been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“A search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of two handheld radios and other technical tools used in illegal activities. Further exploitation of intelligence obtained from the suspect resulted in the arrest of another individual, Mr. Happiness, believed to be an associate, as well as the recovery of one pump-action gun.
“The arrested suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and prosecution.”
Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian Navy emphasised that it remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and protect critical national assets from economic saboteurs.
“The Service will continue to sustain aggressive operations against all forms of economic sabotage in collaboration with other security agencies,” he said.
The Navy also issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating within the Niger Delta and beyond, urging them to desist from illegal activities or be prepared to face decisive military action.
