The Nigerian Navy has achieved another significant breakthrough in its ongoing operations against militancy and criminality within the Calabar waterways. A suspected militant collaborator has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), Calabar Command.
This development comes just 17 days after personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the newly established security outpost on Dayspring Island, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, arrested and handed over another suspected militant collaborator, Mr Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime.
The suspect, identified as Mr Ubong Clement, was arrested by personnel of NNS VICTORY deployed at the Forward Security Outpost on Dayspring Island. The arrest is part of sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and their support structures within the area.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorusho, made available to journalists in Calabar on Thursday, said preliminary investigations established that the suspect allegedly maintained regular contact with members of militant groups operating within the Dayspring Island axis and was involved in activities that compromised ongoing security operations.
Intelligence further linked the suspect to a notorious militant identified as Steven Joseph, alias “Juju,” who has been associated with criminal activities within the waterways. According to the statement, further findings revealed that the suspect allegedly acted as a conduit for the disposal of goods stolen from market boats intercepted by militants operating in the area.
Investigations indicated that proceeds from the sale of such items were remitted to the militant network, thereby providing financial and logistical support for their operations. Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the suspect was handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The handover underscores the Nigerian Navy’s determination to not only target criminal elements directly involved in militancy but also dismantle the support networks that sustain their activities. By disrupting these local facilitators, security forces continue to degrade the operational capability of criminal groups operating within the maritime environment, the statement said.
The Naval spokesman assured that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and targeted security actions to ensure lasting peace and security within the waterways.
