Navy arrests 12 in Akwa Ibom over illegal recruitment training

The Nigerian Navy has foiled an illegal recruitment and training scheme operating outside the framework of recognised law in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and arrested 12 persons comprising six suspected organisers/officials, five recruits or trainees and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy.

The operation was conducted on August 31, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS JUBILEE, in collaboration with Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said the raid followed credible intelligence on the activities of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy at Uwa West, Essien Udim.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has foiled an illegal recruitment and training scheme operating outside the framework of recognised law and regulatory authority, with the potential to defraud unsuspecting members of the public in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

“The operation was conducted on 31 August 2026 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) JUBILEE, in collaboration with Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion Nigerian Army and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, following credible intelligence on the activities of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy at Uwa West, Essien Udim LGA,” he said.

The joint team raided the Merchant Seaman Academy, which was allegedly being used as a venue for the unauthorised recruitment and training of persons presented as provisional cadets of the purported agency.

According to the statement, preliminary findings indicated that the recruitment and training activities were not authorised or recognised under applicable law, raising concerns that unsuspecting Nigerians could be lured into the scheme through false representations.

Folorunsho further stated that the operation resulted in the arrest of 12 persons, comprising six suspected organisers/officials, five recruits or trainees and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy, adding that the suspects were subsequently handed over to the VCRU of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of 12 persons, comprising six suspected organisers/officials, five recruits or trainees and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Captain Folorunsho explained.

Captain Folorunsho said the intervention highlighted the Nigerian Navy’s proactive approach to identifying emerging threats before they developed into wider security and public-safety challenges.

He added that the operation helped disrupt a structure allegedly exploiting the legitimate aspirations of Nigerians seeking careers in the maritime and security sectors.

The Nigerian Navy urged members of the public to exercise caution when responding to recruitment advertisements or offers from purported security, maritime or military organisations, particularly where such organisations cannot establish appropriate legal recognition or regulatory approval.

Prospective applicants were advised to verify the authenticity of such organisations and recruitment exercises through appropriate government channels before committing funds or personal information.

“The successful operation further demonstrates the value of intelligence-led action and inter-agency cooperation in protecting citizens from criminal exploitation.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to working with sister security agencies to safeguard lives and property, disrupt criminal enterprises and deny unscrupulous elements the opportunity to exploit the public,” the statement read.