Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Navy has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against maritime crime and militancy in the South-South region with the arrest and handover of a suspected militant collaborator linked to a wanted criminal kingpin operating along the Calabar-Oron waterways.
The suspect, identified as Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) following investigations that allegedly established his connection to a notorious militant leader identified as Simeon, alias Papi, who is currently on the run.
The arrest was carried out on May 24, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory at the recently established security outpost on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation followed credible intelligence reports linking the suspect to militant activities and criminal networks operating within the strategic waterways connecting Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
Folorunsho disclosed that intelligence gathered by naval operatives revealed that the wanted militant had fled the Dayspring Island axis following sustained military pressure mounted by troops of NNS Victory, abandoning several operational assets which were allegedly left in the custody of the suspect.
Investigations conducted by the Navy reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting that Ekiko maintained regular communication with the fugitive militant and allegedly provided information on the movement, deployment and activities of security personnel operating within the area.
The military further alleged that the suspect played a key role in safeguarding and concealing equipment believed to have been used in support of militant operations and other criminal activities along the waterways.
According to the Navy, forensic examination of mobile devices recovered from the suspect, coupled with intelligence obtained during interrogation, revealed what authorities described as a longstanding relationship between Ekiko and the wanted militant commander.
The investigation also allegedly established that some of the assets abandoned by the fugitive militant were being utilised by the suspect for personal business ventures while efforts continued to evade security operatives.
Following the completion of preliminary investigations, the Nigerian Navy formally transferred the suspect to the DSS for further investigation, intelligence exploitation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The handover marks another significant milestone in ongoing security operations launched by NNS Victory after the establishment of a Forward Operating Base on Dayspring Island, an area that had become a hotspot for kidnapping, sea robbery, illegal activities and militant operations along the Calabar-Oron maritime corridor.
Security sources noted that since the deployment of naval personnel and surveillance assets to the area, criminal networks operating within the waterways have come under intense pressure, leading to the disruption of several criminal cells and the degradation of their operational capabilities.
The Navy stated that the operation underscores the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven security measures and inter-agency cooperation in tackling emerging threats within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Folorunsho noted that the Service remains committed to identifying, tracking and dismantling not only criminal elements but also the support networks and collaborators who provide logistics, intelligence and safe havens for criminal groups.
He stressed that the Nigerian Navy would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, surveillance operations and targeted interventions aimed at denying criminals freedom of action across the nation’s waterways.
The Service further reaffirmed its determination to work closely with other security agencies to strengthen maritime security, protect coastal communities, safeguard critical national assets and create a safe environment for legitimate economic and commercial activities across the maritime domain.