The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has arrested 12 persons and foiled an alleged illegal recruitment and training scheme in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The operation was conducted on 31 August by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) JUBILEE, alongside 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.

According to a statement by the Director Naval Information (DINFO), Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, 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.

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

Twelve persons were arrested, comprising six suspected organisers or officials, five recruits or trainees and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy. The suspects have been handed over to the VCRU of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Navy said the operation reflected its proactive approach to identifying emerging threats before they escalate into wider security and public-safety challenges, and had helped disrupt a structure allegedly exploiting the aspirations of Nigerians seeking careers in the maritime and security sectors.

It urged members of the public to exercise caution when responding to recruitment advertisements from purported security, maritime or military organisations, particularly those unable to establish legal recognition or regulatory approval. Prospective applicants were encouraged to verify the authenticity of such organisations through appropriate government channels before committing funds or personal information.

The Navy said the operation demonstrated the value of intelligence-led action and inter-agency cooperation in protecting citizens from criminal exploitation, and reaffirmed its commitment to working with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property and deny unscrupulous elements the opportunity to exploit the public.

In Rivers State, operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder raided and destroyed two illegal refining sites and recovered 34,000 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO).

Folorunsho said the operations, conducted on August 28, at the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, discovered the petroleum products in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs, alongside other items linked to illegal refining activities.

He said the operation formed part of sustained efforts by NNS Pathfinder to stop the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure in the area, adding that continued interventions had contributed to a decline in the reactivation of such sites within the general area.

He said the identified sites, recovered products and associated items were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.

No arrest was made, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval team, the statement said. (The Nation, excluding headline)