Sulaiman Bala, a lieutenant-commander and spokesman of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY has said  the Navy has dismantled a suspected militants’ hideout at the Ine Ikoridung coastal settlement in Cross River state.

He said the militants used the settlement to terrorise coastal communities in the state.

Bala, in a statement Tuesday,  said no arrest was made, but some items were recovered during the operation.

He added that the development was part of sustained offensive operations against militants operating within the Dayspring axis.

 He stated further that troops conducted an intelligence-led raid on the coastal settlement where the militants relocated.

“Accordingly, NNS VICTORY patrol gunboats stormed the settlement, cordoned the area and conducted a thorough search of identified huts where intelligence indicated the militants were residing.

“Upon sighting the approaching gunboats, the suspects fled. However, troops recovered five empty cartridges, one military camouflage vest, one police camouflage vest, one military pullover and one military jungle hut.

“Troops also recovered one notebook containing records of suspected militant fighters previously arrested, and the correctional facilities where they are currently serving prison terms.

“Consequently, the identified huts were destroyed to deny the criminals future safe havens within the settlement,” he said.

Bala added that the relocation of the militants to a remote coastal settlement followed the continuous pressure from the Nigerian Navy.

He said the continuous operation restricted their freedom of action and forced them to abandon established hideouts. (NAN)