The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities in the Calabar waterways, leading to the arrest of a man identified as Pastor Ime over alleged links to militant operations in the Niger Delta region.
The suspect, Mr. Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and possible prosecution following allegations that he maintained close ties with a wanted militant and provided support for criminal activities in the area.
The development is the latest outcome of ongoing security operations launched by the Nigerian Navy to combat kidnapping, militancy and other crimes along the Calabar-Oron waterways, a strategic maritime corridor connecting parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
The Navy disclosed the arrest in a statement issued by its Director of Naval Information, Captain Abimbola Folorunsho.
According to the statement, Pastor Ime was arrested on May 24, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory operating from a newly established security outpost on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Navy said the arrest followed intelligence reports linking the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, also known by the alias Papi.
Security agencies have reportedly been tracking the militant over his alleged involvement in criminal activities within the waterways and surrounding communities.
According to the Navy, intelligence gathered during ongoing operations suggested that the wanted militant had been operating in the Dayspring Island area before abandoning the location due to sustained pressure from security forces.
The statement explained that the increasing presence of naval personnel and intensified patrols in the area had forced the militant to leave the region.
However, before his departure, the militant was said to have left behind certain operational assets in the custody of the suspect.
The Navy alleged that subsequent investigations uncovered a relationship between Pastor Ime and the wanted militant.
According to the statement, intelligence reports indicated that the suspect maintained regular communication with the fugitive and allegedly supplied information concerning the movement and deployment of security personnel operating in the area.
“Further investigations disclosed that the suspect allegedly kept regular contact with the fugitive militant and was involved in supplying information regarding the movements and deployment of security personnel in the vicinity,” the statement said.
The Navy further alleged that the suspect played a role in concealing and safeguarding equipment believed to have been used in support of militant activities within the waterways.
Officials said additional evidence was obtained through the analysis of the suspect’s mobile devices and other materials recovered during the investigation.
According to the statement, findings from the examination of the devices, as well as interrogation sessions, pointed to what investigators described as a long-standing relationship between the suspect and the wanted militant.
The Navy alleged that the relationship extended over a significant period and involved different forms of support.
Security officials also claimed that some of the assets allegedly left behind by the militant were being used by the suspect for personal business activities.
While details of the equipment were not disclosed, authorities said the findings formed part of the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Following the completion of the preliminary investigation, the Navy transferred the suspect to the DSS for further inquiry.
The security agency is expected to continue the investigation and determine whether criminal charges will be filed against the suspect.
“Upon the completion of initial investigations, the suspect was officially transferred to the Department of State Services for additional inquiry and potential prosecution in line with existing laws,” the statement added.
The Navy described the arrest as another significant achievement in its ongoing efforts to restore security and curb criminal activities in the region.
According to the service, the operation forms part of a broader security strategy introduced after the establishment of a forward operational base on Dayspring Island.
The outpost was created in response to rising incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal activities and other security threats along the Calabar-Oron waterways.
The waterways have long been considered economically important because they serve as routes for fishing, transportation, maritime trade and other commercial activities.
However, the area has also witnessed recurring security challenges over the years.
Residents, fishermen, boat operators and traders have repeatedly raised concerns over attacks by armed groups operating in remote riverine communities and waterways.
Cases of kidnapping for ransom, sea piracy, armed robbery and militant-related activities have posed significant challenges to security agencies in the region.
The Niger Delta, which is home to Nigeria’s oil and gas resources, has experienced periods of militancy dating back more than two decades.
Although government amnesty programs and security operations helped reduce large-scale militant activities, security agencies continue to monitor the region for criminal groups and individuals involved in illegal activities.
In recent years, authorities have intensified efforts to secure waterways and coastal communities through increased military deployments, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies.
The establishment of the Dayspring Island security outpost is part of those measures aimed at denying criminal groups safe havens and improving surveillance across strategic maritime locations.
The Navy has repeatedly stated that maintaining security in the nation’s maritime environment remains critical to economic growth, protection of lives and safeguarding national assets.
Meanwhile, residents of affected communities have welcomed increased security operations, expressing hope that sustained patrols and intelligence-driven actions will reduce criminal activities in the area.
Many community leaders have also called for stronger cooperation between residents and security agencies, arguing that timely information sharing is essential to tackling insecurity.
The latest arrest is expected to strengthen ongoing investigations into criminal networks operating within the Calabar-Oron waterways and may provide fresh intelligence on the activities of wanted militants and their alleged collaborators.
As the DSS continues its investigation, attention will focus on whether further arrests will be made and whether the operation will lead security agencies to other members of the suspected network.