The Nigerian Navy has busted an alleged illegal recruitment and training scheme in Akwa Ibom State, arresting 12 persons suspected to be involved in the operation.
Those arrested comprised six suspected 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 Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS JUBILEE, in collaboration with Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
The joint security team raided the Merchant Seaman Academy at Uwa West, Essien Udim Local Government Area, following credible intelligence about the activities of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said preliminary findings showed that the recruitment and training exercise was not authorised or recognised under applicable laws.
He said the scheme had the potential to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians who were seeking careers in the maritime and security sectors.
“The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has foiled an illegal recruitment and training scheme operating outside the framework of recognised law and regulatory authority, with the potential to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” Folorunsho said.
According to him, the suspects were allegedly using the Merchant Seaman Academy as a venue to recruit and train persons presented as provisional cadets of the purported agency.
The 12 suspects have since been handed over to the VCRU of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led security operations and cooperation among security agencies in tackling emerging threats.
He added that the intervention had disrupted a structure allegedly exploiting Nigerians seeking legitimate employment opportunities in the maritime and security sectors.
The Navy urged members of the public to be wary of recruitment advertisements from purported military, maritime or security organisations whose legal status and regulatory approval cannot be verified.
It also advised prospective applicants to confirm the authenticity of recruitment exercises through appropriate government channels before making payments or releasing personal information.
“The successful operation further demonstrates the value of intelligence-led action and inter-agency cooperation in protecting citizens from criminal exploitation,” the statement added.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to protect lives and property, disrupt criminal enterprises and prevent unscrupulous individuals from exploiting unsuspecting Nigerians.
