By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Navy has apprehended a suspected fraudulent shipping agent, Mr Nsikak Ekpo, over allegations of extorting money under false pretenses linked to a maritime rescue operation in the Calabar Channel.

The suspect has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said the arrest followed a directive from Naval Headquarters after a complaint was received through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleging that N400,000 was paid for security services to Nigerian Navy personnel.

According to him, the money was allegedly paid during an incident involving Motor Vessel CHIMBA Express, a Cameroonian-registered vessel.

“The incident occurred on Dec. 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,” he said.

The naval spokesman said the coordinated response led to the successful rescue of the vessel and its crew.

He said allegations later emerged claiming that naval personnel received payment for security services and abandoned the vessel without refund.

He said a comprehensive investigation established that its personnel neither solicited nor received any payment from the vessel’s owners or representatives, nor entered into any security arrangement.

Investigations, according to him, revealed that Mr Ekpo, an agent with PINAPAT Shipping Agency in Calabar, fraudulently collected the sum under false pretences, claiming it was meant for naval personnel involved in the rescue operation.

Folorunsho described the act as an attempt to exploit its operations and tarnish its image.

He reaffirmed the navy's commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability, warning that it would continue to take decisive action against individuals attempting to defraud the public in its name.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to transparency and will not tolerate any act capable of undermining its reputation or operational integrity,” he said. (NAN)

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