12 ARRESTED AS SECURITY AGENCIES UNCOVER SUSPECTED FAKE COAST GUARD ACADEMY IN AKWA IBOM

The Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have disrupted an alleged illegal recruitment and training operation in Akwa Ibom State, arresting 12 people linked to a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy operating in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday, August 31, 2026, during a joint security operation at Uwa West in Essien Udim. The operation followed intelligence received by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee concerning the activities of the organisation, which was reportedly recruiting and training individuals presented as provisional cadets.

Acting on the intelligence, personnel of NNS Jubilee worked alongside troops from Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation Thunder, the 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

The joint team subsequently raided the Merchant Seaman Academy, which was allegedly being used as a training facility for people recruited into the purported Coast Guard organisation. Preliminary findings by the security agencies indicated that the recruitment and training activities were not authorised or recognised under the relevant laws and regulations.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the discovery raised concerns that unsuspecting Nigerians seeking opportunities in the maritime and security sectors could be deceived by the operation. Such individuals could potentially be persuaded to provide money or sensitive personal information on the basis of false claims about recruitment and career opportunities.

According to the Navy, those arrested consisted of six suspected organisers or officials of the operation, five recruits or trainees and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy. Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The operation underscores the growing concern over fraudulent recruitment activities that exploit Nigerians searching for employment and career opportunities. Security agencies noted that schemes involving purported military, security or maritime organisations can be particularly deceptive because applicants may assume that such bodies have government backing or official recognition.

The Nigerian Navy has therefore urged members of the public to exercise caution when responding to recruitment advertisements from organisations presenting themselves as security, military or maritime institutions. Prospective applicants have been advised to establish whether such organisations are legally recognised and whether their recruitment exercises have received approval from the appropriate authorities before making payments or submitting personal information.

The Navy also encouraged Nigerians to verify recruitment claims through official government channels rather than relying solely on advertisements, social media posts or information supplied by individuals claiming to represent security or maritime organisations.

The latest operation further demonstrates the importance of intelligence gathering and cooperation among security agencies in identifying potentially fraudulent operations before they expand. The involvement of the Navy, Army and Police allowed the authorities to respond jointly to information concerning the suspected recruitment centre.

The Nigerian Navy said it would continue to work with sister security agencies to protect members of the public, disrupt criminal enterprises and prevent unscrupulous individuals from exploiting people seeking legitimate employment opportunities.

For Nigerians looking to build careers in the military, security or maritime sectors, the development serves as another warning to carefully verify recruitment opportunities. Authorities have repeatedly advised applicants to rely on official recruitment platforms and recognised government institutions when seeking such opportunities.

The arrested suspects are expected to remain subject to further investigation as the police determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged recruitment operation and whether additional individuals were involved.

The security agencies' intervention has consequently brought the suspected operation to an end while investigations continue into the activities of the purported academy and those behind it.