Twelve people have been arrested in Akwa Ibom State after security agencies uncovered an alleged illegal recruitment and training scheme operating under the name of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy.
The suspects were arrested on Monday, August 31, 2026, during a joint operation by the Nigerian Navy and sister security agencies in Uwa West, Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.
The operation followed intelligence received by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee about the activities of the purported academy, which was allegedly recruiting and training people as provisional cadets.
Acting on the information, personnel of NNS Jubilee, Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation Thunder, 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command raided the Merchant Seaman Academy, where the alleged recruitment and training were taking place.
Preliminary findings indicated that the recruitment exercise was not authorised or recognised under the relevant laws and regulations.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, in a statement yesterday, said the development raised concerns among the security agencies that unsuspecting Nigerians seeking careers in the maritime and security sectors could be deceived into parting with their money or personal information.
According to him, those arrested comprised six suspected organisers or officials, five recruits or trainees and a cadet of the Merchant Seaman Academy.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the VCRU of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The operation, according to the Nigerian Navy, underscores the importance of intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies in detecting potential threats before they become wider public-safety concerns.
It also highlights the risks faced by young Nigerians searching for employment and career opportunities, particularly in fields associated with the military, security and maritime sectors.
The Navy urged members of the public to be wary of recruitment advertisements and offers from organisations claiming to be security, maritime or military bodies, especially where such organisations cannot provide evidence of legal recognition or regulatory approval.
It advised prospective applicants to verify the authenticity of organisations and recruitment exercises through appropriate government channels before making payments or submitting personal information.
Folorunsho, said the Nigerian Navy would continue to work with other security agencies to protect members of the public, disrupt criminal enterprises and prevent unscrupulous individuals from exploiting unsuspecting Nigerians.
