By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS) following ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Calabar waterways.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the suspect, Mr. Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on 24 May 2026 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 State.
The statement disclosed that the arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, alias Papi, who had reportedly been operating within the Dayspring Island axis. Intelligence reports 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.
According to the Navy, subsequent investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly maintained regular communication with the fugitive militant and provided information on the movement and deployment of security personnel operating within the area. Intelligence findings also linked him to the concealment and custody of equipment believed to have been used in support of militant activities along the waterways.
Further exploitation of the suspect’s mobile devices and interrogation reportedly established that he had maintained a longstanding relationship with the wanted militant and had allegedly provided support over an extended period. Investigators also discovered that the suspect was utilising assets abandoned by the militant for personal business activities.
Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the Nigerian Navy formally handed the suspect over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The Navy 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.
The statement noted that sustained intelligence-driven operations and persistent security presence in the area have continued to degrade the capabilities of criminal elements, disrupt their support networks and enhance security across the waterways.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and their collaborators until lasting security is achieved and legitimate economic activities can thrive within the maritime environment.
