Navy Dismantles Extortion Syndicate, Frees Fishermen, Commuters from Criminal Network in Bonny Creeks

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a criminal extortion syndicate that subjected fishermen, commuters, and residents to persistent intimidation and illegal levies along the Bonny Creek axis in Rivers State.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base Bonny in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence about criminal activities in the Asaramatoru community.

Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the breakthrough in an operational report on Tuesday in Abuja. He said the joint operation forced the suspected criminals to abandon their hideout.

Items recovered during a search of the area included a 7.62mm empty magazine, a General Purpose Machine Gun butt, several ATM cards, and other items of intelligence value.

Engagement with community members revealed that the criminal group had turned the area into a sanctuary from which they launched attacks and extorted residents. “The members of the community said the group extorts residents and demand proceeds from market sales,” Folorunsho stated.

The naval spokesperson noted that the operation has restored confidence among the affected communities and significantly disrupted the activities of the criminal syndicate within the Bonny Creek corridor.

Intelligence gathered during the raid will support follow-up actions aimed at identifying, tracking, and dismantling the wider criminal network operating in the area.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to protect coastal communities.

The Navy assured Nigerians it would continue to deny criminal elements the freedom to exploit the nation’s waterways for kidnapping, sea robbery, extortion, and other criminal activities.