The Nigerian Navy, working with other security agencies, has arrested 12 people in Akwa Ibom State over an alleged illegal recruitment and training scheme linked to a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy.
The operation was carried out on August 31, 2026, at Uwa West in Essien Udim Local Government Area after security personnel received intelligence about recruitment activities allegedly being conducted by the organisation.
Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) JUBILEE carried out the operation alongside troops from Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
During the operation, the joint team raided the Merchant Seaman Academy, which the Navy said was allegedly being used as a venue for recruiting and training individuals presented as provisional cadets of the purported Coast Guard organisation.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, preliminary findings indicated that the recruitment and training activities were not authorised or recognised under applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
The Navy said the development raised concerns that unsuspecting Nigerians seeking opportunities in the maritime and security sectors could be deceived through false representations and potentially lose money or provide personal information to an unauthorised organisation.
The 12 people arrested comprised six suspected organisers or officials, five recruits or trainees and one cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrests highlight the risks surrounding unofficial recruitment exercises, particularly those that use names or structures associated with military, maritime or security organisations. For many young Nigerians seeking employment and professional training, recruitment advertisements can appear legitimate when they have not been properly authorised.
The Nigerian Navy therefore advised members of the public to exercise caution when responding to recruitment offers from organisations claiming to operate in the military, maritime or security sectors. Prospective applicants were urged to confirm the legal status and authenticity of such organisations through appropriate government channels before making payments or submitting personal information.
The Navy also said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led security operations and cooperation among military and law-enforcement agencies in identifying potential threats and preventing members of the public from being exploited.
The suspects remain subject to investigation, and the allegations against them have not been established in court. Their handover to the police is expected to allow further investigation and determine whether prosecution will follow.
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