By EHIGIMETOR IGBAUGBA

Lt.-Cdr Sulaiman Bala, the Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, says the Navy has dismantled a suspected militants’ hideout at the Ine Ikoridung coastal settlement in Cross River.

He said the militants used the settlement to terrorise coastal communities in the State.

Lit.-Cdr Bala, in a statement on Monday, said that no arrest was made, but some items were recovered during the operation.

Bala said that the development was part of sustained offensive operations against militant elements operating within the Dayspring axis.

According to him, troops conducted an intelligence-led raid on the coastal settlement where the militants relocated.

“Accordingly, NNS VICTORY patrol gunboats stormed the settlement, cordoned the area and conducted a thorough search of identified huts where intelligence indicated the militants were residing.

“Upon sighting the approaching gunboats, the suspects fled. However, troops recovered five empty cartridges, one military camouflage vest, one police camouflage vest, one military pullover and one military jungle hut.

“Troops also recovered one notebook containing records of suspected militant fighters previously arrested, and the correctional facilities where they are currently serving prison terms.

“Consequently, the identified huts were destroyed to deny the criminals future safe havens within the settlement,” he said.

The spokesperson said that relocation of the militants to a remote coastal settlement followed the continuous pressure from the Nigerian Navy.

According to him, the continuous operation restricted their freedom of action and forced them to abandon established hideouts.

“The Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY will continue to sustain maximum pressure on the miscreants until total security is restored to the maritime environment,” he said. (NAN)