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The Nigerian Navy has arrested a shipping agent, who allegedly collected the sum of N400, 000 while claiming to be standing in for personnel of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar.
It was learnt that the suspect, Mr Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Disclosing this on Saturday in Abuja, 25th April, 2026, Captain Adiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Nigerian 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 (N400, 000) 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 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.
The swift and coordinated response of the Nigerian Navy led to the successful rescue of the vessel and its crew.
Subsequently, claims emerged suggesting that naval personnel received payment for security services and abandoned the vessel without refund.
However, 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.
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.
The Nigerian Navy reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability, and will continue to take decisive action against
any individual or group attempting to tarnish its image or exploit its operations for personal gain
The suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further action.
