The Nigerian Navy said it has handed over another suspected militant collaborator to the State Security Services (SSS), Cross River State command.

The Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Folorunsho described the feat as another significant breakthrough in the navy’s ongoing operations against militancy and criminality within the Cross River waterways.

According to Mr Folorunsho, the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory deployed at the Forward Security Outpost on Dayspring Island, Akpabuyo Local Government Area.

He said the arrest formed part of sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and their support structures within the area.

Mr Folorunsho also said that preliminary investigations established that the suspect allegedly maintained regular contact with members of militant groups operating within the Dayspring Island axis.

“The suspect is involved in activities that compromised ongoing security operations. Intelligence further linked the suspect to a notorious militant who has been associated with criminal activities within the waterways,” he said.

The naval spokesperson further said that other findings showed that the suspect allegedly acted as a conduit for the disposal of goods stolen from market boats intercepted by militants operating in the area.

“Investigations indicated that proceeds from the sale of such items were remitted to the militant network, thereby providing financial and logistical support for their operations,” he added.

According to him, the suspect was handed over to the SSS for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws following the conclusion of preliminary investigations.

“The handover underscores the Nigerian Navy’s determination to not only target criminal elements directly involved in militancy but also dismantle the support networks that sustain their activities.

“By disrupting these local facilitators, security forces continue to degrade the operational capability of criminal groups operating within the maritime environment,” he said.

Mr Folorunsho reaffirmed the Nigerian navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and targeted security actions to ensure lasting peace and security within the Calabar waterways and adjoining communities.

(NAN)