Man arrested over alleged illegal Navy security fee

By Fredrick Ameh

The Nigerian Navy has arrested a shipping agent, Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, over an alleged unauthorised payment for maritime security services in the Calabar Channel.

Naval authorities said the suspect has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The arrest followed a complaint lodged through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alleging that ₦400,000 was paid to individuals claiming to be naval personnel to provide security escort for Motor Vessel CHIMBA Express, a Cameroonian registered vessel.

According to the Navy, the payment did not follow official procedures for securing military protection, prompting a directive from Naval Headquarters for investigation.
A Navy spokesperson said maritime security services are only provided through authorised channels and warned against unofficial transactions.

“The Nigerian Navy does not condone illegal payments or unauthorised security arrangements,” the spokesperson said.
Industry stakeholders say such practices can undermine operational standards and increase risks within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Analysts add that informal security arrangements may distort shipping costs and affect confidence among international operators using Nigerian waterways.

The Calabar Channel is a key maritime corridor supporting trade in Nigeria’s southeastern region and cross-border shipping with neighbouring countries. Maritime security operations in the area are coordinated by the Nigerian Navy under established protocols.