The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, operating under the Central Naval Command (CNC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has handed over a suspected militant and sea pirate to the Department of State Services (DSS). The suspect, apprehended with an illegal General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and ammunition, was transferred to the DSS on Monday.

Commander of NNS SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, disclosed this during a press briefing. He explained that the arrest followed a targeted operation on June 27, 2025, in Peremabiri Community, located in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The operation, he noted, was carried out based on actionable intelligence and prolonged surveillance of the area, which had been linked to activities threatening national security.

“The mission was executed with precision and professionalism, leading to the arrest of one suspect, identified as Mr. Daniel Damigo,” Akinbami stated. “During the raid, one HK GPMG and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered.”

He emphasized that the Navy’s swift response ensured that the operation had no adverse impact on the local population and was conducted without any collateral damage.

Commodore Akinbami also highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Navy and Labrador Security Services, which played a crucial role in the success of the mission.

“The suspect is currently undergoing preliminary interrogation and will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution,” he said. “The recovered weapon and ammunition will be subjected to forensic analysis to determine any connection with previous criminal incidents.”

According to him, the operation aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff’s vision of building a professional, ethical, and combat-ready naval force, capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests.

He reiterated the Navy’s unwavering commitment to national security, warning criminals involved in militancy, pipeline vandalism, and other illegal activities that the Navy remains alert and ready to confront all threats within its constitutional mandate.

Commodore Akinbami appealed to citizens to support ongoing security efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities.

“The safety of our communities and the protection of critical national assets is a shared responsibility. Together, we can ensure a more secure and prosperous Nigeria,” he stressed.

In a separate development, the Commander revealed that two suspected cultists were recently arrested in Yenagoa with a locally fabricated pistol and some rounds of ammunition. They have since been handed over to the police anti-cultism unit for further investigation and prosecution.

Additionally, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, naval personnel deployed in Akassa engaged in a firefight with suspected sea robbers. Overpowered by the Navy’s superior firepower, the assailants abandoned their boat and fled into the creeks. The seized boat is now in the custody of naval forces and will be processed accordingly.

Once again, the Commander warned criminals operating in Bayelsa State that the region will not serve as a refuge for lawlessness.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve, in synergy with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) and other security agencies, to relentlessly pursue and bring perpetrators of criminal acts to justice.

He concluded by urging public support and cooperation, reinforcing that security is a collective duty.