By Chimezie Godfrey
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.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Folorunsho, the suspect, identified as Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on May 24, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the newly established security outpost on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.
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.
The Navy spokesperson explained that intelligence reports indicated that the militant fled the area following sustained operational pressure mounted by NNS VICTORY and allegedly left some operational assets in the custody of the suspect.
Folorunsho stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly maintained regular communication with the fugitive militant and provided information on the movement and deployment of security personnel within the area.
According to him, intelligence findings also linked the suspect to the concealment and custody of equipment believed to have been used in support of militant activities along the waterways.
He further disclosed that an analysis of the suspect’s mobile devices and interrogation allegedly established a longstanding relationship between the suspect and the wanted militant.
The Navy said investigations also revealed that assets abandoned by the militant were allegedly being used by the suspect for personal business activities.
Folorunsho stated that upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the suspect was formally handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
He noted that the development was part of the ongoing security operations initiated by NNS VICTORY following the establishment of a forward security outpost on Dayspring Island to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the Calabar-Oron waterways.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at degrading criminal networks, disrupting their support structures and enhancing maritime security.
Navy hands suspected militant collaborator to DSS in Calabar
