The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested three suspects for allegedly impersonating officers of the Nigerian Navy in an attempt to defraud members of the public and obstruct lawful government operations.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Public Affairs of the agency, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, who stated that the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led surveillance and swift action by Task Force operatives.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested in connection with the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land at Oworonshoki, Lagos, where they allegedly used fake naval identities to intimidate residents and interfere with enforcement operations.
The principal suspect, identified as James K. Robert, was said to have presented himself as a Navy Captain while visiting the office of the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, to demand the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site.
Abdulraheem stated that the suspect claimed ownership of a car lot affected by the demolition, despite having ignored several statutory notices and repeated appeals to vacate the area before the exercise.
He added that the suspect, who was accompanied by his wife and an alleged orderly, attempted to seek preferential treatment “in the spirit of esprit de corps,” but became aggressive and issued threats when his request was declined.
“Suspicion was aroused when the Chairman subjected the suspect to further questioning regarding his alleged military assignment and command. Observations revealed inconsistencies in his uniform, including improperly worn service ribbons and the absence of mandatory regimental insignia,” Abdulraheem said.
He explained that the Chairman subsequently contacted the Naval Police unit of the Nigerian Navy, which confirmed that the individual was not a serving officer, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect and his accomplices.
Abdulraheem further disclosed that the suspects had been under surveillance following multiple complaints from members of the public and repeated confrontations with Taskforce officers during field operations.
He noted that the suspect’s wife admitted during interrogation that she had cautioned her husband against impersonating military personnel.
According to him, officers of the Nigerian Navy Military Police took custody of the suspects and have commenced further investigation.
Abdulraheem assured that the suspects would be prosecuted by the appropriate military authorities, stressing that the arrest would serve as a strong deterrent to others who impersonate security personnel to commit crimes.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious activities through official feedback channels, adding that the Lagos State Task Force would not allow criminals to find a safe haven in the state.
