The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested and handed over a suspected fraudulent shipping agent, Mr Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a statement on Saturday by the Director, Naval Information, Captain AA Folorunsho, the Navy explained that the arrest followed a directive from Naval Headquarters after a complaint received through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleging that a sum of four hundred thousand naira was paid to Nigerian Navy personnel to provide security for Motor Vessel CHIMBA Express, a Cameroonian-registered vessel operating within the Calabar Channel.
The allegation, it further explained, was linked to an incident on 22 December 2025 when personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, NNS OSE and Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA responded to a distress call involving a fire outbreak onboard the vessel.
According to the statement, the swift and coordinated response of the Nigerian Navy led to the successful rescue of the vessel and its crew. However, it said, claims emerged suggesting that naval personnel received payment for security services and abandoned the vessel without refund.
It noted that a comprehensive investigation by the Nigerian Navy established that its personnel neither solicited nor received any payment, nor entered into any form of security arrangement with the vessel’s owners.
The statement said investigations further revealed that Mr Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, an agent with PINAPAT Shipping Agency in Calabar, fraudulently collected the sum under false pretence, claiming it was meant for Nigerian Navy personnel involved in the rescue operation.
While reiterating its unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue to take decisive action against any individual or group attempting to tarnish its image or exploit its operations for personal gain.
It announced that the suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further necessary action.
