The Nigerian Navy and sister security agencies have arrested 12 persons over an alleged illegal recruitment and training scheme operating in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said in a statement on Tuesday that the operation was conducted on August 31, 2026, by personnel of NNS JUBILEE, alongside troops of Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion Nigerian Army and operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy at Uwa West, Essien Udim. The joint team raided the Merchant Seaman Academy, allegedly being used to recruit and train persons presented as provisional cadets of the purported organisation.
Preliminary findings indicated that the recruitment and training activities were neither authorised nor recognised under applicable law, raising concerns that unsuspecting Nigerians seeking careers in the maritime and security sectors could be deceived and defrauded.
The 12 arrested persons comprised six suspected organisers or officials, five recruits or trainees and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy. They were handed over to the Police Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Navy urged the public to verify recruitment advertisements and offers from purported security, maritime or military organisations through appropriate government channels before providing personal information or making payments, stressing that intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation remain critical to disrupting criminal schemes and protecting citizens.
