Navy transfers suspected militant to SSS

The Nigerian Navy has transferred a suspected militant collaborator to the State Security Service (SSS) in Calabar, Cross River State. This is part of ongoing security operations to break down criminal networks in the Calabar waterways.

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

Naval officers from the NNS VICTORY arrested the suspect at a new security post on Dayspring Island, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.

The statement explained that the arrest came after strong intelligence linked the suspect to a wanted militant called Simeon, also known as Papi. This militant had been active around the Dayspring Island area.

"Intelligence further indicated that the militant fled the area after NNS VICTORY increased their operations and left some of his equipment with the suspect before escaping," Folorunsho said.

He added that investigations showed the suspect was in regular contact with the fugitive militant and had been sharing information about the movement of security forces in the area.

The findings also connected the suspect to hiding equipment believed to support militant actions in the waterways.

"Further checks on the suspect's mobile devices and questioning showed he had a long relationship with the militant and had offered support for some time," Folorunsho stated.

Investigators found that the militant's abandoned equipment was being used by the suspect for his own business activities.

After completing preliminary investigations, the Navy handed the suspect to the State Security Service for further questioning and possible legal action.

Captain Folorunsho stressed that this transfer shows a key result of the ongoing security efforts led by NNS VICTORY.

He pointed out that the new security post at Dayspring Island was set up because of the rise in kidnappings and other crimes in the Calabar-Oron waterways.

The Nigerian Navy mentioned that their focus on intelligence-led operations and constant presence in the area has weakened the criminals, disrupted their support systems, and improved safety in the waterways.

"The Service is dedicated to keeping pressure on criminals and their collaborators until we achieve lasting security and allow legal economic activities to grow in the maritime area."