Rita Enemuru, Reporting
YENAGOA — In a major boost to the fight against oil theft and infrastructure sabotage in the Niger Delta, troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO and the Nigerian Army’s 5 Battalion, Elele, have arrested the suspected mastermind behind a string of pipeline attacks in the region.
The suspect, Mr. Godwin — widely known by his alias “Idiot” — was captured on 25 April 2026 during a dusk intelligence-led raid on his hideout in Egbama-Angalabiri, Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa State. He is believed to be the ringleader of a gang responsible for repeated vandalism of oil pipelines and facilities around Clough Creek and its environs.
Security sources said the operation was triggered by a recent spike in acts of sabotage in the area. Acting on actionable intelligence, the joint team swooped on the suspect’s residence, where he was arrested alongside an alleged accomplice, one Mr. Happiness.
Items recovered from the premises include a pump-action rifle and two walkie-talkies, believed to have been used in coordinating attacks on critical national assets.
The following day, 26 April 2026, both suspects and the seized exhibits were formally handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bayelsa State Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a statement, naval authorities described the arrest as a clear demonstration of FOB FORMOSO’s resolve to rid its area of operations of criminal elements, enhance maritime security, and guarantee a safe operating environment for oil companies and other stakeholders.
Commending the commanding officer of FOB FORMOSO, Captain S. K. Haruna, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral S. D. Ibrahim, urged the base to maintain its offensive posture in support of the nation’s strategic crude oil production targets.
However, the operation was not without cost. During the raid, one naval officer sustained a gunshot wound to the right leg. He has since received prompt medical treatment and is now in stable condition.
Authorities have assured residents and industry operators that patrols will be intensified to stamp out remaining criminal networks in the creeks and waterways of the Niger Delta.
