Nigerian Navy has handed over a suspected collaborator of a wanted militant to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar, following ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Calabar waterways.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
Folorunsho said the suspect, Mr Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on May 24 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the recently established security outpost on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.
He said the arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, also known as Papi, who had reportedly been operating within the Dayspring Island axis.
According to him, intelligence reports indicated that the militant fled the area following sustained operational pressure mounted by NNS VICTORY and left behind some operational assets in the custody of the suspect.
“Subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly maintained regular communication with the fugitive militant and was involved in providing information on the movement and deployment of security personnel operating within the area.
“Intelligence findings also linked the suspect to the concealment and custody of equipment believed to have been used in support of militant activities within the waterways,” Folorunsho said.
The naval spokesman added that further examination of the suspect’s mobile devices and interrogation established that he had maintained a longstanding relationship with the militant and allegedly provided support over an extended period.
He said investigations also revealed that assets abandoned by the militant were being utilised by the suspect for personal business activities.
Folorunsho said the suspect was formally handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution after the conclusion of preliminary investigations.
He described the handover as another significant outcome of ongoing security operations initiated by NNS VICTORY following the establishment of a forward security outpost at Dayspring Island in response to rising incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities within the Calabar-Oron waterways.
According to him, sustained intelligence-driven operations and persistent security presence in the area have continued to weaken criminal networks, disrupt their support structures and improve security across the waterways.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and their collaborators until lasting security is achieved and legitimate economic activities can thrive within the maritime environment,” he said.
