Author: Gist Correspondent

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 12 suspects over an alleged illegal recruitment and training scheme in Akwa Ibom State, while also destroying two illegal refining sites in Rivers State as part of ongoing security operations.

The arrests followed a joint operation carried out on August 31 by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) JUBILEE, Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, the 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was launched after credible intelligence revealed the activities of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy operating from Uwa West in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

The joint security team raided the Merchant Seaman Academy, which was allegedly being used to recruit and train individuals as provisional cadets for the unrecognised organisation.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the recruitment exercise had no legal backing, raising concerns that unsuspecting Nigerians were being deceived through false promises of employment in the maritime and security sectors.

Those arrested include six suspected organisers, five recruits 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 urged members of the public to verify the authenticity of recruitment advertisements by security and maritime organisations through relevant government authorities before making payments or submitting personal information.

Meanwhile, in Rivers State, operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder dismantled two illegal refining sites at the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted on August 28, led to the recovery of about 34,000 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) stored in reservoirs, dugout pits and sacks, along with equipment used for illegal refining.

Folorunsho said the operation was part of sustained efforts to prevent the resurgence of crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the area.

He added that no arrests were made during the raid, as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval personnel.