The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected fraudulent shipping agent, Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, over allegations of impersonation and financial misconduct, while exonerating its personnel from allegations of wrongdoing linked to a maritime rescue operation in Calabar, Cross River State.
This development was disclosed in a statement signed by the director of Naval Information, Captain A.A Folorunsho.
According to the statement, Ekpo was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution after his arrest.
“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 statement read.
It added that the allegation was linked to an incident on December 22, 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,” Folorunsho said.
However, following the rescue, claims surfaced suggesting that naval personnel had received payment for security services and subsequently abandoned the vessel without a refund.
But, the allegations were dismissed. “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,” the Navy spokesman said.
“The investigation 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 added.
Further findings, according to the Navy, revealed that Ekpo, identified as an agent with PINAPAT Shipping Agency in Calabar, allegedly collected the ₦400,000 under false pretences, claiming the funds were meant for 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 statement added.
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