Personnel of the Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, in collaboration with local security personnel, have arrested a wanted militant kingpin, Mr Sunday Godlaw, in Akassa, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Godlaw was arrested alongside his associate, Mr Prosper Tumbe, at Opugbene Community on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement and activities of the wanted suspect.
The arrest is seen as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to strengthen security and dismantle criminal networks operating within communities in the Niger Delta.
According to the security authorities, Godlaw had been on the run since personnel raided his camp at Fununu Community on August 6, 2026. He was said to have fled to a neighbouring community in an attempt to evade arrest.
Acting on the intelligence, troops tracked Godlaw to Opugbene, where he was apprehended alongside Tumbe. An AK 47 rifle, three loaded magazines and a mobile phone were recovered from the suspects.
The operation also led to the pursuit of other suspected associates who reportedly fled into surrounding bushes. Some of the fleeing suspects were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
During interrogation, Godlaw and Tumbe reportedly confessed to involvement in acts of terror, kidnapping and the killing of civilians in neighbouring communities. Their activities were said to have subjected residents to prolonged fear and insecurity.
The successful operation is expected to strengthen ongoing intelligence driven efforts to dismantle militant networks and restore peace across communities within the area of responsibility.
The Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Capt. SK Haruna, commended the personnel for their professionalism, courage and operational discipline during the operation.
Haruna reiterated the commitment of the base to sustained operations against criminal elements, adding that search operations were ongoing to locate and apprehend other fleeing suspects. Godlaw and Tumbe remain in custody for further investigation and interrogation.