Three people have been arrested in Lagos after allegedly posing as officers of the Nigerian Navy to defraud members of the public and interfere with government enforcement operations, officials say.
The suspects were detained by the Lagos State Taskforce following events linked to the demolition of illegal shanties and structures on government land in the Oworonshoki area of the city.
According to the Taskforce, the individuals had been presenting themselves as naval personnel in order to intimidate residents and evade law enforcement during official operations.
The main suspect, identified as James K. Robert, was arrested after visiting the office of the Taskforce chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele. He reportedly sought the release of vehicles removed from a car lot affected by the demolition exercise, despite having ignored several official notices and warnings to vacate the site beforehand.
Officials said the suspect, accompanied by his wife and another man described as an “orderly”, claimed to be a senior naval officer and appealed for preferential treatment, citing “esprit de corps”. When this request was rejected, he allegedly became hostile and threatened confrontation between his supposed men and Taskforce officers.
CSP Akerele said his suspicions were raised after questioning the man about his naval posting and command. He noted inconsistencies in the suspect’s responses, as well as irregularities in his uniform, including incorrectly worn service ribbons and missing insignia.
The Taskforce chairman contacted the Nigerian Navy’s Military Police, who confirmed that the suspect was not a serving officer. The man and two others were then arrested.
Authorities said the suspects had already been under observation following previous disputes with Taskforce officials and complaints from residents about a man impersonating a Navy captain to intimidate people in Oworonshoki.
During questioning, the suspect’s wife reportedly admitted she had warned her husband to stop impersonating military personnel.
All three suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Navy Military Police for further investigation.
CSP Akerele said those arrested would face prosecution, adding that the case should serve as a warning to others who impersonate security personnel.
He also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the authorities, stressing that Lagos State would not provide safe haven for criminal activity.
