Navy arrests militant commanders, ‘sea robbers’

The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested some top leaders of militant groups, and would continue to clampdown on “criminal elements” in the Niger Delta.

Christian Ezekobe, navy’s director of information, said this in a statement, disclosing that some of those in custody were leaders of a group called Bakassi Strike Force (BSF).

“The suspected militant leader, Mr Uduak Thompson aka SANGATA, was arrested on September 12 in his hideout in Calabar by a joint team from Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY and Defence Intelligence Agency,” Ezekobe said, revealing that some top members of the BSF had earlier been arrested.

Ezekobe said the patrol team deployed by naval outpost (NOP) Ikuru, arrested four suspected sea robbers, who were allegedly responsible for several attacks and robbery incidents.

“The gang was alleged to have particularly attacked market women on September 4, 2016 at Oyorokoro community,” Ezekobe said.

“These arrests bring to fore, the commitment of the NN and other security agencies to stamp out the menace of criminal brigandage in the region.

“Investigation into these untoward activities has commenced and the perpetrators will be handed over to prosecuting agencies for further action.”