The Nigerian Navy has arrested 12 people over an alleged illegal recruitment and training operation uncovered in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects comprise six alleged organisers or officials, five recruits or trainees and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy.
The operation was carried out on August 31, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS JUBILEE, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
The Navy said the operation followed credible intelligence about the activities of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy located at Uwa West in Essien Udim.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the joint security team raided the Merchant Seaman Academy, which was allegedly being used to recruit and train individuals presented as provisional cadets of the purported organisation.
The Navy said preliminary findings showed that the recruitment and training activities were not authorised or recognised under applicable law or regulatory authority.
It expressed concern that unsuspecting Nigerians could be deceived into joining the scheme through false representations, particularly those seeking careers in the maritime and security sectors.
Following the operation, all 12 suspects were handed over to the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and possible legal action.
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Folorunsho said the intervention demonstrated the Navy’s intelligence-led approach to identifying emerging threats before they develop into broader security and public-safety challenges.
He also stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting members of the public from criminal exploitation.
The Navy urged Nigerians to exercise caution when responding to recruitment advertisements from organisations claiming to be security, maritime or military bodies.
It advised prospective applicants to verify the legal status and regulatory approval of such organisations through appropriate government channels before providing personal information or making payments.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to working with other security agencies to protect lives and property, disrupt criminal enterprises and prevent unscrupulous individuals from exploiting members of the public.