Security Operatives Bust Fake Coast Guard Recruitment Centre In Akwa Ibom

Security operatives in Akwa Ibom State have uncovered a suspected illegal recruitment and training centre allegedly operating under the name “Nigeria Coast Guard Academy” in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out by a Joint Task Force comprising troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship (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.

The suspected fake agency was allegedly involved in recruiting and training unsuspecting members of the public while collecting money from them under the guise of enrolling them into the purported academy.

In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Uyo, NNS JUBILEE said the operation followed complaints and intelligence concerning alleged illegal recruitment activities at Uwa West, Essien Udim LGA.

According to the statement, the operation was conducted at about 1pm on Monday, August 31, 2026, following credible intelligence on the recruitment of individuals as provisional cadets of the purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy.

The joint team subsequently raided the Merchant Seaman Academy in Essien Udim, which was allegedly being used as a venue for recruiting and training cadets for the purported fake organisation.

Twelve suspects were arrested during the operation.

The suspects comprised six officials allegedly involved in the activities, five recruits or trainees and one 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 Navy said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats.

It added that sustained collaboration among the military and police was critical to disrupting criminal activities and protecting members of the public from fraudulent and illegal recruitment schemes.