Personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory have raided a coastal settlement in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, destroying what the service described as a suspected militant hideout during an intelligence-led operation.

The operation targeted Ine Ikoridung settlement along the Dayspring axis, where suspected militants were believed to have relocated after sustained naval patrols and raids on their former camps at Dayspring Island.

Briefing journalists in Calabar on Monday, the Base Information Officer, Lt.-Cmdr. Sulaiman Bala, said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the militants were regrouping in the remote community.

According to him, naval gunboats from NNS Victory swiftly moved into the area, cordoned off the settlement and conducted thorough searches of huts identified as suspected hideouts.

“Acting on the intelligence, NNS Victory patrol gunboats stormed the settlement, cordoned off the area and conducted thorough searches of identified huts where the suspects were believed to be residing,” Bala said.

He said the suspects fled before troops arrived, abandoning the camp.

Bala disclosed that a search of the hideout led to the recovery of five empty cartridges, a military camouflage vest, a police camouflage vest, a military pullover, a military jungle hat, and a notebook containing records of suspected militant fighters previously arrested and the correctional facilities where they are serving prison terms.

He said the structures used by the suspects were subsequently destroyed to prevent the criminals from re-establishing their base.

According to the Navy spokesperson, the group’s relocation to the new settlement reflected the impact of sustained military operations in the area.

“The relocation of the group is a result of continuous operational pressure, which has restricted their freedom of action,” Bala said, adding that NNS Victory would continue to intensify operations until security is fully restored across the maritime environment.

The latest operation forms part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing campaign to combat militancy, piracy and other criminal activities in Nigeria’s coastal and maritime communities.