ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Lagos State Task Force has arrested three men suspected of impersonating officers of the Nigerian Navy, including one who allegedly posed as a naval Captain, following incidents linked to the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land at Oworonshoki, Lagos.
The principal suspect was identified as James K. Robert. The arrests were carried out after intelligence reports indicated that the suspects had been parading themselves as naval officers to intimidate residents, defraud members of the public and obstruct lawful government operations.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists at the agency’s Oshodi–Bolade office.
He said the suspects had been unlawfully using fake naval identities to interfere with enforcement activities.
According to Akerele, the suspects were apprehended over their involvement in incidents surrounding the demolition exercise at Oworonshoki, where they allegedly used false military credentials to intimidate residents, evade enforcement and secure undue advantages.
He explained that the lead suspect, Robert whose name appeared on his uniform name tag and in the Task Force visitors’ register had earlier visited the office to demand the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site by enforcement officers.
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Akerele said this was despite the fact that several statutory notices and repeated appeals had earlier been served on Robert to vacate the affected property ahead of the demolition exercise, all of which he allegedly ignored.
“The suspect, accompanied by his wife and an alleged orderly, claimed ownership of the car lot at the demolition site and demanded that it be spared in the so-called spirit of esprit de corps” Akerele stated.
He added that when the request was declined in line with professional ethics and public service regulations, the suspect became hostile and allegedly threatened a confrontation between his supposed men and Task Force operatives.
Akerele said suspicion deepened when he subjected the suspect to a detailed interview, requesting information about his military posting and command.
Upon closer observation, several inconsistencies were discovered, including wrongly worn service ribbons, the absence of mandatory regimental insignia and a generally unkempt appearance inconsistent with that of a senior naval officer.
He said he immediately contacted the Naval Police Unit of the Nigerian Navy, which confirmed that the individual was not a serving officer. This confirmation led to the immediate arrest of the suspect and his accomplices.
Akerele further disclosed that the suspects had already been under surveillance following repeated confrontations with Task Force officers during field operations, as well as multiple complaints from members of the public about a man impersonating a naval Captain to intimidate and coerce residents under false pretences.
In a statement, the suspect’s wife reportedly admitted that she had repeatedly warned her husband to stop impersonating military personnel, cautioning that “several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner.”
The Task Force chairman also noted that his suspicion intensified when the alleged orderly and other accomplices tactically withdrew from the scene shortly before the arrest.
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“Before the suspects could fully comprehend what was happening, officers of the Nigerian Navy Military Police were already on ground and took them into custody. They are currently undergoing further investigation,” Akerele said.
He assured members of the public that the suspects would be prosecuted by the appropriate military authorities, expressing confidence that the arrest would serve as a strong deterrent to others who impersonate security personnel to commit crimes and tarnish the image of the Police and Armed Forces.
“I urge residents to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious activities through our official feedback channels for prompt action. No criminal will be allowed to find safe haven in Lagos State,” Akerele added.