By Abasi Ita
The Nigerian Navy has arrested a man suspected of supplying arms and providing logistical support to militant groups operating in the waterways of Cross River State.
The suspect, identified as Ubong Clement, was apprehended by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory stationed at the Forward Security Outpost on Dayspring Island in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the suspect has been handed over to the Department of State Services in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Folorunsho said the arrest followed intelligence driven operations aimed at dismantling militant networks and other criminal elements operating along the Calabar waterways.
He disclosed that preliminary findings linked the suspect to militants active around the Dayspring Island axis, alleging that he maintained regular contact with members of the groups and engaged in activities capable of undermining security operations in the area.
The Navy further alleged that intelligence reports connected Clement to a notorious militant identified as Steven Joseph, popularly known as Juju, who is believed to be involved in criminal activities within the state’s waterways.
Investigators also reportedly discovered that the suspect served as an intermediary in the disposal of goods stolen from market boats attacked by militants. Proceeds from the sales were allegedly remitted to members of the militant network, providing financial and logistical support for their operations.
”The arrest and handover of the suspect underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to dismantling not only militant groups but also the support structures that sustain their activities,” the statement said.
The Navy noted that disrupting local collaborators and financiers remains a critical strategy in weakening the operational capacity of criminal groups within the maritime environment.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the service’s commitment to sustaining intelligence based operations, community engagement and targeted security measures aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the safety of residents and waterway users across Calabar and adjoining communities.