Nigerian Navy Intensifies Offensive Against Criminal Networks, Destroys Militant Camp in Cross River

NNS Victory continues sustained pressure on militant elements as troops recover weapons, military gear, and intelligence documents in Bakassi LGA operation

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory has sustained its offensive against militant elements in Cross River State, destroying another suspected camp at the Ine Ikoridung coastal settlement in Bakassi Local Government Area. The raid, conducted on August 2, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that militants had relocated to the remote settlement after sustained patrols forced them out of their former base at Dayspring Island. This operation represents the latest phase in a broader campaign by the Nigerian Navy to dismantle militant networks and restore safety to the Calabar waterways and surrounding maritime environment.

According to a statement by the Base Information Officer, Lt. Com. Sulaiman Bala, troops moved into the creeks aboard NNS Victory patrol gunboats. On sighting the approaching vessels, the suspects fled, prompting naval personnel to cordon off the area and conduct thorough searches of the identified huts. The operation yielded significant recoveries, including five empty cartridges, one military camouflage vest, one police camouflage vest, one military pullover, one pair of military jungle boots, and a notebook containing records of suspected militant fighters and the correctional facilities where they are serving prison terms. To deny criminals future safe havens, troops destroyed the identified huts in the settlement.

READ ALSO:

• Power Struggle Threatens Peter Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance Ahead of 2027 Polls
• Gumi: Clerics who join politics are better than those praying for politicians
• FRSC Boss: Tinubu’s CNG, EV Drive Creating Jobs, Attracting Investment

Nigerian Navy Intensifies Offensive Against Criminal Networks

Lt. Com. Bala noted that the relocation of the group to a remote coastal settlement was a direct result of continuous operational pressure from the Nigerian Navy, which is restricting their freedom of action and forcing them to abandon established hideouts. He stated that the relocation of the group to a remote coastal settlement is a result of continuous operational pressure from the Nigerian Navy, which is restricting their freedom of action and forcing them to abandon established hideouts. He added that NNS Victory would continue to sustain maximum pressure on criminal elements until total security is restored to the maritime environment.

This latest operation forms part of a wider offensive targeting not just militant fighters but also the financial and logistical networks that sustain their activities. In a related operation on Dayspring Island in June 2026, naval personnel disrupted a suspected militant financing network operating within the Ini Abasi fishing settlement in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. During that operation, troops recovered several wraps of suspected cannabis sativa and a handwritten ledger containing names and monetary entries amounting to ₦5.529 million. The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, explained that preliminary assessments suggested the document was used to record illegal levies imposed on fishermen and maritime transport operators in the area. The proceeds from these extortion activities were believed to serve as a significant source of funding for militant operations and other criminal enterprises within the Dayspring Island axis. By targeting illicit revenue streams, the Nigerian Navy continues to degrade the operational capability of criminal elements and deny them the resources required to sustain their activities.

The Nigerian Navy has maintained a sustained presence in the Calabar waterways, with NNS Victory conducting multiple operations against militancy, piracy, smuggling, and illegal oil bunkering in the region. In May 2026, naval personnel launched a major offensive against militants and kidnappers along the Calabar-Oron channel, destroying a hideout linked to a wanted militant kingpin known as “Juju” on Dayspring Island. That operation, conducted in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade, forced suspected militants to flee their camps while securing key waterways and restricting their movement. The Navy has also targeted support networks, recently handing over a suspected militant collaborator, Mr Ubong Clement, to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Cross River State. Intelligence linked the suspect to a notorious militant identified as Steven Joseph, alias “Juju,” and revealed that he allegedly acted as a conduit for the disposal of goods stolen from market boats intercepted by militants.

Following operations, naval personnel have consistently engaged community leaders and residents, reassuring them of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a sustained security presence and conducting intelligence-driven operations aimed at restoring lasting peace within the waterways. The Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain aggressive patrols, targeted raids, and community-focused engagements to eliminate criminal elements, disrupt their support networks, and ensure that legitimate economic activities thrive within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Nigerian Navy Intensifies Offensive Against Criminal Networks, Destroys Militant Camp in Cross River

Terrorists kill six soldiers, 12 civilians in Zamfara, Sokoto attacks

At least six soldiers and 12 civilians were reportedly killed in separate attacks by suspected terrorists in Zamfara and Sokoto states, while more than 70 residents were abducted during a raid on Kasuwar Daji community in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The coordinated attacks, which occurred late Saturday, have renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of the North-West, where rural communities continue to face killings, mass abductions, livestock rustling and repeated attacks by armed groups.

In Zamfara State, residents said heavily armed attackers invaded Kasuwar Daji at about 11:30 p.m., opening fire and reportedly overrunning a military outpost in the community.

Local sources said at least six soldiers were killed during the attack, although the casualty figure had not been officially confirmed by military authorities as of the time of filing this report.

The attackers were also said to have abducted at least 75 residents and taken them into the forest after raiding the community.

A resident, Alhaji Aminu Kasuwar Daji, said the gunmen arrived in large numbers and began firing indiscriminately as they moved through the area.

He appealed to the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Government to strengthen security across the state, warning that residents were increasingly concerned about their safety.

“Our call to the Zamfara State and Federal Governments is to come to the aid of Zamfara people generally over the insecurity bedevilling the state,” he said.

“We are really in danger if terrorists can overpower the military and succeed in their attacks on innocent citizens.”

Former Deputy Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Namadi Kasuwar Daji, also confirmed that the community had been attacked.

READ ALSO:

• State police: Shari’ah Council urges caution, wider consultations
• CAF Suspends Two Super Falcons Stars Ahead of Decisive Egypt Clash in WAFCON 2026
• NYSC Issues Fresh Camp Rules, Warns Against Night Travel, Document Errors

He said he was outside the state when relatives informed him that the attackers had invaded the area, looted shops and abducted an unspecified number of residents.

Namadi said he was informed that soldiers were killed during the attack but could not independently confirm the exact number of military casualties.

He added that the attackers reportedly carted away food items, drinks and other valuables before taking abducted residents into the bush.

The Zamfara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he was not aware of the attack and promised to contact police officers in the affected area for verification. However, no further response had been received as of the time of filing this report.

In Sokoto State, at least 12 people were reportedly killed after suspected terrorists attacked Lajinge village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

Residents said the attackers entered the community at about 11 p.m. on Saturday and operated for several hours, with the attack reportedly continuing until about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday.

According to residents, 11 people died from gunshot wounds, while a woman identified as Agada reportedly died after suffering severe shock during the attack.

Six people were also reportedly burnt alive after the attackers surrounded a room where they had taken refuge.

Residents said the gunmen ordered those inside the room to come out. When they refused, the attackers allegedly poured petrol around the building, set it on fire and opened fire on those who attempted to escape.

Those reportedly killed in the fire included the head of the household, Mallam Wauro, popularly known as Mallam Roro; his two sons, Ukasha and Mujaheed; two relatives identified as Sufyanu and Sani Shanbami; and an internally displaced person who had been staying in the house.

Another resident, identified as Lawwali, was reportedly shot dead at the entrance of the same house while attempting to flee, bringing the number of people killed in the compound to seven.

READ ALSO:

• Presidency Slams Onaiyekan for “Abuse of Clerical Privilege” Over Tinubu Meeting
• FAAN Debunks Fire Scare at Lagos Airport Terminal 2, explains cause of smoke
• Oil Prices Slide as Trump Announces Fresh Iran Talks, Easing Supply Fears

Residents said other victims were shot while trying to escape from different parts of the village.

They included a resident identified as Yusuf and three internally displaced persons who had sought safety in Lajinge after fleeing violence in other communities.

A member of the community’s local vigilante group said residents were keeping watch near the village primary school when they suddenly heard heavy gunfire.

He said the vigilante members were unable to withstand the attackers and were forced to flee as the gunmen moved through the community.

“We were at the primary school guarding the village when we suddenly heard heavy gunfire,” the resident said.

“We all ran for safety and kept moving from one hiding place to another whenever the shooting came closer.”

The attackers were reportedly able to move from house to house, stealing cattle and sheep while firing weapons to keep residents away.

A resident said one of the gunmen positioned a rifle at a strategic location while others entered homes and seized livestock.

The attackers later moved to the residence of Mallam Wauro, where he and two of his sons were killed.

Residents also said two of his wives were abducted and that the attackers took away cattle and other livestock from the household.

The exact number of people abducted during the Sokoto attack could not immediately be established.

Residents said several people were taken away, but some, particularly children, were later released by the attackers.

Community members alleged that no security reinforcement arrived during the attack despite repeated distress calls.

They also claimed that security personnel stationed in nearby Unguwar Lalle and Dan Tudu communities, which are about two kilometres from Lajinge, did not respond while the attack was ongoing.

“The bandits stayed in our village for hours without any intervention,” one resident said.

“They even walked along the main road laughing and smoking cigarettes as if they had conquered the community.”

The residents said they had repeatedly appealed to the government to deploy security personnel to the area but that their requests had not been met.

They added that eight people were killed in an earlier attack on the community about three weeks ago, increasing fears among residents over continued violence.

“We are Nigerians and we have voter cards. We elected the government to protect our lives and property,” a resident said.

“We are pleading with the authorities to deploy security personnel to safeguard our communities.”

The Sokoto State Police Command had also not issued an official confirmation of the attack as of the time of filing this report.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he was not aware of the incident and would verify the report after reaching his office. No further update had been provided at press time.

The latest attacks have again highlighted the security challenges facing rural communities in Zamfara and Sokoto, where residents continue to demand improved intelligence gathering, stronger security deployment and faster responses to distress calls.

The reported killings and abductions have also renewed calls for closer coordination among the military, police, intelligence agencies and community-based security groups to prevent further attacks.

As of the time of publication, authorities had not released final official casualty figures or confirmed the number of people abducted in either state.

Terrorists kill six soldiers, 12 civilians in Zamfara, Sokoto attacks

State police: Shari’ah Council urges caution, wider consultations

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has cautioned against rushing the proposed establishment of state police, calling for comprehensive nationwide consultations, transparent public engagement and strong constitutional safeguards before any final decision is taken.

The council said Nigeria’s worsening security situation requires urgent and decisive action but warned that state police should not be presented as a quick or automatic solution to the country’s complex security challenges.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council said insecurity had claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people and disrupted farming, businesses and livelihoods in many parts of the country.

The SCSN said Nigeria’s security challenges had exposed longstanding weaknesses within existing security institutions, including inadequate funding, corruption, poor welfare for personnel, insufficient recruitment, outdated equipment, weak intelligence gathering and limited coordination among security agencies.

According to the council, creating state-controlled police services without addressing these underlying problems could result in new institutions facing many of the same operational and accountability challenges.

The council urged the Federal Government to strengthen existing security agencies through improved funding, increased recruitment, better welfare, modern equipment and the wider deployment of technology.

It also called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved border security, enhanced accountability and greater professionalism among security personnel.

The SCSN said security reforms should be based on a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate threats facing communities and the institutional weaknesses affecting law enforcement.

The council expressed concern over what it described as a hurried constitutional amendment process aimed at creating a legal framework for state police in Nigeria.

It said constitutional reforms involving policing and national security require transparent public hearings, broad consultations and genuine national consensus because of their potential impact on Nigeria’s federal structure, political system and the rights of citizens.

READ ALSO:

• CAF Suspends Two Super Falcons Stars Ahead of Decisive Egypt Clash in WAFCON 2026
• NYSC Issues Fresh Camp Rules, Warns Against Night Travel, Document Errors
• Presidency Slams Onaiyekan for “Abuse of Clerical Privilege” Over Tinubu Meeting

The council said many Nigerians believed that the legislative process had not been sufficiently open, inclusive or consultative.

It urged the National Assembly to provide more opportunities for citizens, civil society organisations, professional associations, traditional institutions, religious leaders, security experts and other stakeholders to contribute to the debate.

The SCSN, however, commended lawmakers who defended due process, wider consultations and the national interest during deliberations on the proposed reform.

The call comes amid renewed national discussions over whether decentralising policing could improve security, strengthen local intelligence and enable faster responses to crime.

Supporters of state police argue that state governments are closer to local communities and may have a better understanding of security threats within their areas.

They also believe that state-level police services could improve community engagement and support quicker responses to emergencies.

However, concerns have continued to grow that state police could be misused by governors or other political leaders if adequate safeguards are not included in the law.

The Shari’ah Council warned that state police must not become an instrument for political intimidation, discrimination, election interference or the suppression of lawful dissent.

It said any new policing system should operate under clear constitutional rules and be accountable to independent institutions rather than serving the interests of political office holders.

The council called for independent oversight bodies, transparent recruitment procedures, merit-based appointments and professional training for officers.

It also urged the government to establish accessible and effective mechanisms for receiving, investigating and resolving complaints against police personnel.

According to the SCSN, recruitment into state police services should be based on competence, integrity and professional standards while reflecting the diversity of the communities being served.

The council said appointments should not be influenced by political loyalty, ethnicity, religion, personal relationships or other forms of discrimination.

It also called for strong judicial and legislative oversight to ensure that state police officers respect the rule of law and protect the fundamental rights of all residents.

The SCSN further emphasised the need for sustainable funding, warning that state governments should not establish police services without the financial capacity to provide adequate salaries, training, equipment, technology and operational support.

It said poor funding could weaken the effectiveness of state police and increase the risk of corruption and poor service delivery.

The council urged policymakers to develop clear rules governing the relationship between state police services, the Nigeria Police Force, federal security agencies and existing community-based security organisations.

It said clear responsibilities and effective coordination would be necessary to prevent conflicts over jurisdiction, duplication of duties and gaps in security operations.

The SCSN also maintained that policing reforms alone may not resolve Nigeria’s security challenges without broader efforts to address poverty, unemployment, corruption, weak institutions and limited access to justice.

It called for a comprehensive approach that combines effective policing with intelligence-led operations, community engagement, social investment, justice-sector reforms and improved cooperation among security agencies.

The council urged President Bola Tinubu, leaders of the National Assembly, state governments and other stakeholders to complete meaningful nationwide consultations before reaching a final decision on the proposed reform.

It said the establishment of state police should be based on a broad national agreement that reflects Nigeria’s diversity, strengthens public safety and protects the rights and interests of all communities.

The SCSN prayed for wisdom, sincerity and courage for Nigeria’s leaders as they consider the proposed security reform.

The council expressed hope that the process would promote justice, strengthen national unity and support lasting peace across the country.

As the national debate continues, the council said a carefully designed and widely accepted policing framework would be more likely to improve security while reducing the risk of political control, discrimination and abuse of power.

State police: Shari’ah Council urges caution, wider consultations