Personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) JUBILEE, in collaboration with Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion Nigerian Army, and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, have uncovered an alleged illegal recruitment and training centre in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The operation was carried out at about 1300 hours on 31 August 2026, following credible intelligence on the suspected illegal recruitment of individuals as provisional cadets of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy at Uwa West, Essien Udim Local Government Area.
Acting on the intelligence, a joint team comprising troops of NNS JUBILEE, personnel of Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion Nigerian Army, and operatives of the VCRU of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command conducted a coordinated operation in the area.
The team subsequently raided the Merchant Seaman Academy in Essien Udim Local Government Area, which was allegedly being used as a venue for the illegal recruitment and training of cadets into the purported Nigeria Coast Guard agency.
During the operation, a total of 12 suspects were arrested. The suspects comprised six officials allegedly involved in the illegal activity, five recruits or trainees, and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy.
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The arrested suspects were subsequently handed over to the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of joint operations and inter-agency synergy in tackling emerging security threats. The coordinated efforts of NNS JUBILEE, the Nigerian Army and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command demonstrate the importance of timely intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and seamless cooperation among security agencies.
Such collaboration remains critical to strengthening the collective security architecture, disrupting criminal activities and protecting members of the public from fraudulent and illegal recruitment schemes.
The operation also serves as a reminder to members of the public to exercise caution when responding to recruitment offers from organisations claiming to represent government security or maritime agencies, and to verify the authenticity of such organisations before enrolling or making payments.
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