The Nigerian Navy has announced the arrest and handover of a suspected collaborator of a wanted militant group to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar, as security agencies intensify efforts to tackle criminal activities along the region’s waterways.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abimbola Folorunsho, the suspect, identified as Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on May 24, 2026, during a security operation carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory.
The operation took place at the Navy’s newly established security base on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Navy explained that the arrest followed intelligence reports linking the suspect to a notorious militant leader known as Simeon, also called Papi, who had reportedly been operating around Dayspring Island before fleeing the area due to intensified military pressure.
Investigators alleged that before leaving the area, the militant left behind certain equipment and operational assets that were later traced to the suspect.
Security findings also suggested that Pastor Ime maintained regular communication with the fugitive and allegedly provided information about the movement and deployment of security personnel in the area.
The Navy further stated that evidence gathered during the investigation connected the suspect to the storage and management of materials believed to have supported militant operations within the Calabar waterways.
According to officials, a review of the suspect’s mobile devices and subsequent questioning reportedly revealed a long-standing relationship between him and the wanted militant figure.
Authorities also claimed that some of the items left behind by the militant were being used by the suspect for his personal business activities.
Following the completion of preliminary investigations, the Navy transferred the suspect to the DSS for further interrogation and possible legal action.
The Navy described the development as another major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against kidnapping, militancy and other criminal activities along the Calabar-Oron water routes.
Officials noted that the establishment of the Dayspring Island security outpost has significantly strengthened surveillance and operational capabilities in the area, leading to increased pressure on criminal groups operating within the region.