Navy hands over another suspected militant collaborator to DSS
By Solomon Azu
Navy Hands Over Another Suspected Militant Associate to DSS in Calabar
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major success in its sustained crackdown on militancy and criminal activities along the Calabar waterways, handing over a suspected militant associate to the Department of State Services (DSS), Calabar Command.
The development comes barely 17 days after personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, stationed at the newly established security outpost on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, arrested and transferred another suspected militant collaborator, Mr. Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, to security authorities.
The latest suspect, identified as Mr. Ubong Clement, was apprehended by operatives of NNS VICTORY deployed at the Forward Security Outpost on Dayspring Island. His arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and their support systems within the maritime environment.
In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Thursday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect allegedly maintained consistent communication with members of militant groups operating around the Dayspring Island axis and engaged in activities that undermined security efforts in the area.
According to the statement, intelligence reports further connected the suspect to a notorious militant known as Steven Joseph, alias “Juju,” who has long been linked to criminal operations within the waterways.
Investigations also indicated that the suspect allegedly served as a channel for the sale of items stolen from market boats attacked by militants. Proceeds from the transactions were reportedly transferred to the militant network, providing both financial and logistical support for their activities.
Following the completion of preliminary investigations, the suspect was handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
The Navy noted that the handover reflects its resolve not only to apprehend individuals directly involved in militancy but also to dismantle the support structures that enable such criminal operations. By targeting local collaborators, security agencies continue to weaken the operational capacity of criminal groups active within the maritime domain.
The Naval spokesman reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and focused security measures aimed at ensuring lasting peace, stability, and security across the region.