Niger Delta militants

Nigerian Navy said it has arrested one Mr Uduak Etim Thompson who it identified as the leader of a militant group, the Bakassi Strike Force as part of efforts to eliminate unwholesome activities perpetuated by criminals in the Niger Delta.

The Navy said in a statement signed by Commodore Christian Ezekobe, its spokesperson on Wednesday that the suspected militant also known SANGATA was arrested on 12 September 2016 at his hideout in Calabar by a joint team from Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY and Defence Intelligence Agency.

The Navy said some top members of the BSF had earlier been arrested.

In a related development, the Navy said its patrol team deployed by Naval Outpost (NOP) Ikuru arrested 4 suspected notorious sea robbers who were alleged to be responsible for several attacks and robbery incidences at Oyorokoro, Ataba, Kaa and Oyorokoro communities in Andoni Local government area of Rivers State.

The gang was alleged to have particularly attacked market women on 4 September 2016 at Oyorokoro Community.

“These arrests bring to fore the commitment of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to stamp out the menace of criminal brigandage in the region. Investigations into these untoward activities have commenced and the perpetrators will be handed over to prosecuting agencies for further action,” Commodore Ezekobe said in the statement.