Navy Hunts Down Wanted Militant Kingpin In Bayelsa — Ak-47, 3 Loaded Magazines Recovered
By Passman Akpos
BAYELSA — Personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, working with local security personnel, have arrested a suspected militant kingpin, Sunday Godlaw, alongside his alleged associate, Prosper Tumbe, in Opugbene, Akassa, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The suspects were apprehended on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following what the Navy described as credible intelligence concerning Godlaw’s movements and alleged activities.
According to the Navy, Godlaw had reportedly been on the run since personnel raided his suspected camp at Fununu Community on August 6.
Acting on fresh intelligence, naval operatives reportedly tracked him to Opugbene Community, where he was arrested alongside Tumbe.
An AK-47 rifle, three loaded magazines and a mobile phone were recovered during the operation.
The operation reportedly triggered a pursuit of other suspected members of the group who fled into surrounding bushes. Some of the fleeing suspects were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.
The Navy said preliminary interrogation of the arrested suspects indicated alleged involvement in terror-related activities, kidnapping and attacks resulting in the deaths of civilians in neighbouring communities.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
The arrest is being described as another significant breakthrough in ongoing intelligence-driven operations by the Nigerian Navy aimed at dismantling militant and criminal networks operating across the Niger Delta.
The Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Captain S.K. Haruna, commended the naval personnel and their local security collaborators for what he described as professionalism, courage and operational discipline.
Haruna reaffirmed the commitment of the Base to sustained operations against criminal elements and said search operations were continuing to locate and apprehend other suspected members of the group who escaped during the operation.
Meanwhile, Godlaw and Tumbe remain in custody for further investigation and interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to track down other suspected associates.
The development is expected to further heighten security operations in parts of Brass and neighbouring coastal communities, where authorities have continued efforts to combat kidnapping, militancy and other forms of criminality.
