The Nigerian Navy has handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS) following his arrest during ongoing maritime security operations in the Calabar waterways of Cross River State.
Key Highlights
- Nigerian Navy arrests suspected militant collaborator in Cross River waterways.
- Suspect linked to wanted militant operating around Dayspring Island axis.
- Arrest carried out by personnel of NNS VICTORY on May 24, 2026.
- Intelligence reports allege communication and logistical support to militant network.
- Navy intensifies operations against kidnapping and criminal activities on waterways.
- Suspect transferred to DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Ime Edet Ekiko, also known as “Pastor Ime,” was arrested on May 24, 2026 by personnel of the Nigerian Navy attached to NNS VICTORY at a newly established security outpost on Dayspring Island.
According to a statement signed by Abiodun Folorunsho, intelligence reports linked the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, popularly known as Papi, who was allegedly operating within the Dayspring Island axis of the Calabar waterways.
Read Also:
- Navy arrest suspected terrorist collaborator in Lake Chad
- Navy destroys 4 illegal refineries, seizes 77,000 litres of suspected stolen crude in Rivers
- Navy Ship BEECROFT conducts medical outreach, educational rhapsody in Lagos
The Navy said the militant fled the area following sustained pressure from security forces, reportedly abandoning operational items which were later found in the custody of the suspect.
Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that Ekiko maintained regular communication with the fleeing militant and allegedly provided information on the movement and deployment of security personnel operating in the area.
Security sources also alleged that the suspect was in possession of equipment linked to militant activities along the waterways, which he allegedly used for personal business operations.
Further analysis of mobile devices and interrogation reports allegedly confirmed a longstanding connection between the suspect and the wanted militant.
Following initial investigations, the Nigerian Navy formally handed over the suspect to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Navy described the handover as part of sustained maritime security operations launched after the establishment of a forward operating base on Dayspring Island, aimed at curbing kidnapping, piracy, and other criminal activities within the Calabar–Oron waterways corridor.
According to the service, intelligence-driven operations and continuous military presence have helped disrupt criminal networks and weaken their operational capacity in the region.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and their collaborators to ensure safer waterways and support legitimate economic activities across Nigeria’s maritime environment.
