The Nigerian Navy has disrupted an extortion network that subjected fishermen and other waterway users to persistent intimidation and illegal levies within the Bonny Creek axis of Rivers.

The navy’s spokesman, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in an operational report on Tuesday.

According to Mr Folorunsho, following credible intelligence, operatives of the forward operating base BONNY, in conjunction with troops of the Nigerian Army, dealt a significant blow to criminal elements operating from a hideout in the Asaramatoru community.

He said the operation forced the suspected criminals to abandon their hideout, while a search of the area led to the recovery of operational items.

“Items recovered include a 7.62mm empty magazine, a general purpose machine gun butt, several ATM cards and other items of intelligence value,” Mr Folorunsho said.

He added that engagement with members of the community revealed that the criminal group had turned the area into a sanctuary from which it launched attacks on fishermen and commuters.

“The members of the community said the group extorts residents and demands proceeds from market sales. The operation has therefore restored confidence among the affected community and disrupted the activities of the criminal syndicate within the Bonny Creek corridor,” Mr Folorunsho said.

He further said that the operation also yielded valuable intelligence to support follow-on actions aimed at identifying, tracking, and dismantling the wider criminal network operating in the area.

Mr Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and protecting coastal communities. He assured Nigerians that the navy would continue to deny criminal elements the freedom to exploit Nigeria’s waterways for kidnapping, sea robbery, extortion, and other criminal activities.

(NAN)