Personnel of the Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC), aided by tactical drone surveillance, have tracked and arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Baba Saidu Abdullah during an operation conducted on June 1, 2026.

The arrest came as the Nigerian Navy also thwarted attempts by oil thieves to revive illegal refining activities in Rivers State, deactivating four refining sites and recovering about 77,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
According to the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel observed the suspect during an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission in the Lake Chad area.

He said the suspect was seen moving from a location previously identified as a terrorist hideout. Further surveillance reportedly revealed interactions between him and armed terrorist elements before he departed the area.
“Consequently, the suspect was tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was subsequently apprehended,” Folorunsho stated.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect frequently travelled between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating within the region.

According to the Navy, initial findings suggest that Abdullah was involved in providing logistical support to terrorists through the procurement and transportation of essential supplies.

A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of personal belongings and other materials considered relevant to ongoing investigations.

Folorunsho disclosed that the suspect has been handed over to appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action in line with established procedures.

He noted that the operation highlights the growing importance of intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations in strengthening counter-terrorism efforts across the Lake Chad region.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to supporting joint operations under Operation Hadin Kai and will continue to deploy available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist elements freedom of action while contributing to the restoration of peace and security in the North-East,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Rivers State, the Navy’s anti-crude oil theft team carried out a coordinated operation at the Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area, supported by aerial surveillance and riverine mobility assets.

The operation uncovered multiple illegal refining sites concealed within the creeks.

Folorunsho said the sites contained refining ovens, dugout pits, and storage facilities holding an estimated 77,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.

Investigations further revealed ongoing efforts by criminal elements to rebuild refining infrastructure previously dismantled by security agencies.

“The operation resulted in the deactivation of four illegal refining sites, including three refining ovens, two dugout pits, and a reservoir used to facilitate illegal refining activities within the area,” he said.

The Navy spokesman noted that the discovery underscores the persistence of crude oil theft syndicates and highlights the effectiveness of sustained surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid-response operations in combating economic sabotage.