Niger Delta: Navy arrests Pastor Ime over alleged militancy, tightens security in Calabar waterways

The Nigerian Navy says it has successfully handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services, DSS, in Calabar, as part of its ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in the waterways of Calabar.

A statement from Captain Abimbola Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, revealed that the suspect, Mr. Ime Edet Ekiko, commonly known as Pastor Ime, was apprehended on May 24, 2026, by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Victory, which was stationed at the newly established security outpost on Dayspring Island in the Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The statement highlighted that the arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, also known as Papi, who had reportedly been active in the Dayspring Island area.

Moreover, the intelligence indicated that the militant had vacated the region due to ongoing operational pressure from NNS Victory, leaving behind certain operational assets in the suspect’s possession before his departure.

“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 detailed.

“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.”

The statement also noted that additional analysis of the suspect’s mobile devices and subsequent interrogation confirmed that he had maintained a long-term relationship with the militant and had allegedly provided support over an extended period.

“Investigations further revealed that assets left behind by the militant were being utilized 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 additional inquiry and potential prosecution in line with existing laws.

“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 reaction to the increasing occurrences of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the Calabar-Oron waterways,” it further stated.