Nigerian Navy arrests Pastor Ime in Niger Delta, boosts security on Calabar waterways

The Nigerian Navy reports that it has handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar. The transfer is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks that operate in the waterways around Calabar.

Captain Abimbola Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, said the suspect, Mr. Ime Edet Ekiko—known as Pastor Ime—was arrested on 24 May 2026 by crew members of the Nigerian Navy ship NNS Victory. The ship was stationed at a newly established security outpost on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State.

The arrest followed credible intelligence that linked Pastor Ime to a wanted militant named Simeon, also known as Papi, who had been active in the Dayspring Island area. Intelligence also indicated that the militant had fled the region under pressure from NNS Victory, leaving behind operational assets that were later found in Pastor Ime’s possession.

“Further investigations disclosed that the suspect allegedly kept regular contact with the fugitive militant and was involved in supplying information about the movements and deployment of security personnel in the vicinity,” the statement read. “Intelligence findings also connected the suspect to the concealment and custody of equipment believed to have been used to support militant activities within the waterways.”

Additional analysis of the suspect’s mobile devices and subsequent interrogation confirmed a long‑term relationship with the militant and alleged ongoing support over an extended period. Investigations also revealed that assets left behind by the militant were being used by the suspect for personal business activities.

“Upon the completion of initial investigations, the suspect was officially transferred to the Department of State Services for further inquiry and potential prosecution in line with existing laws,” the statement added. “This transfer signifies yet another important result of the continuous security operations launched by NNS Victory after the creation of a forward security outpost at Dayspring Island, which was established in response to the increasing occurrences of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the Calabar‑Oron waterways.”