Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
Personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in collaboration with local security operatives, have arrested a wanted militant kingpin, Mr Sunday Godlaw, and his associate, Mr Prosper Tumbe, in Akassa, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Opugbene community following credible intelligence on the movement and activities of Godlaw, who had been on the run since security personnel raided his camp at Fununu Community on August 6.
According to the security report, Godlaw fled to a neighbouring community after the raid in an attempt to evade arrest. Acting on fresh intelligence, personnel of FOB FORMOSO tracked him to Opugbene, where he was apprehended alongside Tumbe.
Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle, three loaded magazines and a mobile phone.
The operation also led to the pursuit of other suspected associates of the militants, who reportedly fled into the 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 terrorising residents, kidnapping and, in some cases, killing civilians in neighbouring communities, thereby subjecting residents to prolonged fear and insecurity.
The arrest, according to the security authorities, represents a significant breakthrough in ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling militant networks and restoring peace in the area.
The Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Capt. S.K. Haruna, commended the personnel for what he described as a successful operation marked by professionalism, courage and operational discipline.
Haruna reaffirmed the commitment of the base to sustaining operations against criminal elements in the area, adding that search operations were still ongoing to locate and apprehend other suspects who fled the scene.
Godlaw and Tumbe remain in custody and are expected to undergo further investigation and interrogation.
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