Navy hands over suspected militant to DSS in Cross River

The Nigerian Navy has handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar, Cross River.

This followed ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Calabar waterways.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Calabar.

He said Mr Ekiko Ime, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on May 24.

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The suspect was arrested by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the recently established security outpost on Dayspring Island, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.

The spokesman noted that the arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, alias Papi, who had reportedly been operating within the Dayspring Island axis.

“Intelligence further indicated that the militant fled the area following sustained operational pressure mounted by NNS VICTORY and abandoned certain operational assets in the custody of the suspect before his escape,” he stated.

He said investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly maintained regular communication with the fugitive militant and was involved in providing information on the movement and deployment of security personnel operating within the area.

” Intelligence findings also linked the suspect to the concealment and custody of equipment believed to have been used in support of militant activities within the waterways.

“Further exploitation of the suspect’s mobile devices and interrogation established that he had maintained a longstanding relationship with the militant and had allegedly provided support over an extended period.

“Investigations also revealed that assets abandoned by the militant were being utilized by the suspect for personal business activities.

“Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the suspect was formally handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” Folorunsho concluded.

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