Navy Arrests Pastor Ime Over Alleged Links to Wanted Militant

(Navy arrests Pastor Ime. Photo Credit: Daily Post)

The Nigerian Navy has handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar, as part of wider efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating along the region's waterways.

According to a statement by Director of Naval Information Captain Abimbola Folorunsho, the suspect Ime Edet Ekiko, widely known as "Pastor Ime" was arrested on May 24, 2026, by personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, operating from a security outpost recently established on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State.

The arrest was intelligence-driven, with information linking the suspect to a wanted militant known as Simeon or "Papi," who had previously been active in the Dayspring Island area but had reportedly fled due to sustained operational pressure from NNS Victory.

Before leaving, the militant allegedly left behind operational assets in the suspect's custody.

Investigations revealed that the suspect maintained regular contact with the fugitive and allegedly fed him information about the movements and deployments of security personnel in the area.

He was also linked to concealing equipment believed to have been used in militant operations on the waterways.

Analysis of his mobile devices further confirmed a long-standing relationship with the militant, during which he allegedly provided support over an extended period.

Some of the assets left behind by the militant were also found to have been repurposed by the suspect for personal business use.

Following initial investigations, the Navy formally transferred the suspect to the DSS for further questioning and possible prosecution.

The Navy described the development as another significant outcome of NNS Victory's ongoing operations, which were launched in response to rising kidnappings and criminal activity along the Calabar-Oron waterways.