Nigerian Navy Imposes 13-Hour Curfew On Calabar Waterways To Curb Kidnappings

The Nigerian Navy has imposed a 13-hour curfew from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on all maritime activities along the Calabar waterways as part of efforts to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities along the Calabar–Oron channel.

This is contained in a statement by Lt.-Cdr. Suleiman Bala, spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, and made available to journalists on Friday in Calabar.

He said that in response to the recent spate of kidnappings along the Calabar–Oron channel, the Navy had also established a security outpost at Idung I (Peacock Crossing) on the island in Cross River.

Mr Bala said the outpost was strategically established to enable naval forces effectively monitor activities in the creeks.

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He said that the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY and Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA had conducted raids on fishing communities at Dayspring Island.

“The raids resulted in the clearance of suspected militant elements, who fled upon sighting personnel of NNS VICTORY and FOB IBAKA.

“However, troops of the Nigerian Navy alongside troops from the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade subsequently maintained dominance over the creeks and adjoining waterways.

“The sustained presence led to the discovery of a militant hideout belonging to a suspected militant known as “juju” in Idung,” he said.

Mr Bala disclosed that upon approach, the militant fled in haste, abandoning two boats fitted with engines which were confiscated, and the hideout structure was subsequently demolished.

Similarly, the NNS VICTORY spokesperson said troops tracked and apprehended one suspect identified through intelligence as an informant for the militant group.

“The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation, at the end of which he will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation,” he said.

On the deployment of troops, Mr Bala noted that prior to the deployment, militant groups operated freely within the area, engaging in kidnapping and extortion of riverine communities.

Nigerian Navy

According to him, the presence of troops has significantly constrained their activities, restricting them largely to the creeks and limiting their access to logistics support.

The spokesman said the Nigerian Navy had resolved to “sustain this aggressive posture until all undesirable elements hiding within the creeks and communities are eliminated.”

Oba Of Lagos Lends Support To EFCC In Fight Against Corruption

The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, has assured the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of the full support and commitment of the state’s traditional institution in the fight against corruption and other economic and financial crimes.

He gave the assurance on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lagos while receiving the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC , Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo, who led a delegation of top officers of the Commission on a courtesy visit to his palace.

Oba Akiolu described the visit as a mark of respect not only to the traditional institution of Lagos, but also to the enduring values of integrity, justice, and collaboration.

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“The Palace of Lagos regards the mission of the EFCC not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a moral crusade. In a global economic hub such as Lagos, the integrity of the financial system is the very foundation of prosperity”, he said.

The monarch further described corruption as a shadow that must be dispelled by the light of transparency and the firm hand of justice.

While commending the EFCC’s relentless efforts to root out corruption and financial crimes, he noted that the anti-graft war requires strong institutions and collective resolve.

“Your request for fatherly support is hereby granted with the full weight of the Throne. The wisdom of this Palace is rooted in the eternal truth that righteousness exalts a nation. Together with the Council of Chiefs, we pledge our cooperation in fostering a culture of accountability that will resonate across Lagos and beyond”.

Earlier, Kaltungo thanked the monarch for the warm reception and conveyed the greetings of the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Recalling his first encounter with Oba Akiolu at the outset of his career in 2004, he said: “I am here to formally introduce myself as the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“Today, I feel like I am coming home to see my father, now that I am back at the Lagos Directorate.”

Oba Of Lagos

He added that the visit was also aimed at strengthening the relationship between the traditional institution and the Commission’s efforts to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability.

“Today, my team and I consider it both necessary and respectful to seek an audience with you, acknowledging your fatherly role in the state and fulfilling our mandate to engage critical stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crimes,” he said.

Kaltungo further noted that traditional leaders play a pivotal role in shaping societal values and promoting honesty and fairness, adding that “We pray for your continued wisdom and guidance, and we are confident that, together, we can strengthen the foundation of integrity for the benefit of all.”

EFCC Grills Managing Director, Paramount Energy Limited For Alleged N72.3m Fraud In Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have commenced investigations into the activities of one Ralph Chinazum Ajah, Managing Director, Paramount Energy Limited for an alleged case of obtaining by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N72, 300, 000. 00 (Seventy two million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira).

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A petitioner alleged that he sent the said sum to Ajah for the supply of petroleum products to some of his branches. The said money was paid in six tranches between April 11, 2022 and May 24, 2022.

“After he collected the money, he kept promising to supply the products as agreed but failed to do so which then prompted us to do preliminary investigations and we discovered that Chinazumah Ajah and his company do not have the capacity to supply the products and he deliberately defrauded us of our business capital”, the petitioner said.

EFCC

However, investigations revealed that the suspect used the account of his company, Paramount Energy Limited, to receive the said sum after which he transferred the money into his account for personal use.

The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.