The Nigerian Navy has reported that its Naval Ship, NNS Soroh, conducted a raid on a suspected sea robbers' hideout in its Area of Operation. The operation, aimed at eliminating illegal weapons ahead of the off-cycle gubernatorial election on November 10, 2023, took place at 2 am.

Acting on credible information, the naval base swiftly deployed its anti-sea robbery patrol team from the Naval Security Station (NSS 030) in Foropa community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan stated, "On sighting the Nigerian Navy Patrol team gunboat, the suspected sea robbers fled into the bushes."

During the raid in Southern Ijaw, NNS Soroh's special anti-sea robbery team cordoned and searched the area, recovering one general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) with 100 links, 2 AK 47 rifles, one locally made long gun, 2 Tavor magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62 (NATO), 2 Cartridge rounds of a pump-action gun, 2 200HP Yamaha Engines, 5 Baofeng Radios, a Small Techno Android phone, one GPS phone, 3x small Techno phones, and assorted camouflage uniforms.

The camp was deactivated to deny the criminals shelter within the vicinity. The success of the raid operation was attributed to the efforts, resilience, and dedication of NNS Soroh.

The statement emphasized the commitment of NNS Soroh, based at Naval Base Yenagoa, to eradicating criminal activities, unlawful practices, and the possession of illegal weapons within its operational zone. The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, will continue to conduct sting operations to resist and arrest criminals seeking to undermine the democratic process, disrupt public peace, or breach maritime security during and after the off-cycle election period.

The Navy will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a peaceful maritime environment critical for legitimate business and national economic development. NNS Soroh will persist in conducting operations and vigilant patrols to address challenges such as sea robbery, piracy, and crude oil theft in Nigeria's maritime domain.