The Nigerian Navy has apprehended a shipping agent, Mr. Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, following an investigation into allegations of fraudulent activity.

The arrest was executed after the Navy received a complaint forwarded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claiming that payment was made to naval personnel to provide security for a Cameroonian-registered vessel, Motor Vessel CHIMBA Express.

The allegations stemmed from an incident on December 22, 2025, during which the Nigerian Navy responded to a fire outbreak on the vessel. While naval personnel successfully rescued the ship and its crew, subsequent claims surfaced alleging that naval officers had accepted money for security services and then abandoned the vessel.

However, a thorough investigation by the Nigerian Navy found that its personnel “neither solicited nor received any payment, nor entered into any form of security arrangement with the vessel’s owners.”

The probe determined that Mr. Ekpo, an agent with PINAPAT Shipping Agency in Calabar, had fraudulently collected the funds under the false pretense that the money was intended for the naval personnel involved in the rescue operation.

Following these findings, the Navy has handed the suspect over to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Calabar for further investigation and potential prosecution.

In a statement regarding the incident, Naval Spokesman Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho reiterated the service’s commitment to “professionalism, integrity and accountability.” He affirmed that the Nigerian Navy will continue to take decisive action against any individuals or entities attempting to exploit its operations or tarnish the institution’s reputation.