Navy hands over suspected militant to security agency

The Nigerian Navy has given a suspected militant collaborator to the State Security Service (SSS) in Calabar, Cross River State. This follows ongoing security operations aimed at breaking down criminal networks in the Calabar waterways.

Abiodun Folorunsho, the director of naval information, shared this information with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar on Wednesday. The suspect, Ekiko Ime, also known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on 24 May.

Naval personnel from NNS VICTORY arrested him at a new security outpost on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.

The statement mentioned that the arrest came after credible intelligence linked the suspect to a wanted militant named Simeon, who goes by the alias Papi. He had been operating in the Dayspring Island area.

“Intelligence further indicated that the militant fled the area following sustained operational pressure mounted by NNS VICTORY and abandoned certain operational assets in the custody of the suspect before his escape,” Folorunsho said.

The investigation showed that Ime allegedly stayed in touch with the fugitive militant and provided information about the movement of security personnel in the area. Folorunsho added that intelligence also connected the suspect to hiding equipment believed to have been used for militant activities in the waterways.

“Further exploitation of the suspect’s mobile devices and interrogation established that he had maintained a longstanding relationship with the militant and had allegedly provided support over an extended period,” he explained.

“Investigations also revealed that assets abandoned by the militant were being used by the suspect for personal business activities.”

After the preliminary investigations, the suspect was formally handed over to the State Security Service for further investigation and possible prosecution under existing laws.

Captain Folorunsho stressed that handing over the suspect to the SSS is another key result of the ongoing security operations led by NNS VICTORY. He noted that the establishment of a security outpost at Dayspring Island came in response to the rising cases of kidnapping and other crimes in the Calabar-Oron waterways.

The Nigerian Navy stated that its continued intelligence-driven operations and persistent presence in the area have weakened criminals, disrupted their support networks, and improved security in the waterways.

“The Service remains committed to putting pressure on criminal elements and their collaborators until we achieve lasting security and allow legitimate economic activities to thrive in the maritime environment.”