Navy arrests shipping agent over alleged N400,000 fraud, clears personnel of misconduct

The Nigerian Navy has arrested a shipping agent, Mr. Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, and handed him over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Calabar over alleged N400, 000 fraud.

According to a statement by Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the arrest followed a directive from Naval Headquarters after a complaint received through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleging that a sum of N400, 000 was paid to Nigerian Navy personnel to provide security for Motor Vessel CHIMBA Express, a Cameroonian-registered vessel operating within the Calabar Channel.

The allegation was linked to an incident on 22 December 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, which led to the successful rescue of the vessel and its crew.

Subsequently, claims emerged suggesting that naval personnel received payment for security services and abandoned the vessel without refund.

“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.

“Investigations further revealed that Mr Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, an agent with PINAPAT Shipping Agency in Calabar, fraudulently collected the sum under false pretence, claiming it was meant for Nigerian Navy personnel involved in the rescue operation, ” the statement said.

The Nigerian Navy while reiterating its commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability, vow to continue to take decisive action against any individual or group attempting to tarnish its image or exploit its operations for personal gain.

The suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.