The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested three suspects for impersonating officers of the Nigerian Navy in a bid to defraud members of the public and obstruct lawful government operations during the demolition of illegal structures in Oworonshoki area of the state.
The arrest, which occurred during enforcement activities linked to the removal of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land in Oworonshoki, was carried out under the leadership of the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele.
In a statement issued on January 15, 2026, and signed by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, the agency said the suspects had been parading themselves as naval officers to intimidate residents, evade law enforcement, and gain undue advantage during government operations.
According to the statement, the principal suspect, identified as Mr. James K. Robert, based on the name tag on his uniform and entries made in the visitor’s register at the Taskforce Chairman’s office, had earlier visited the office seeking the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site by the enforcing agency.
The statement noted that the suspect had ignored several statutory notices and repeated appeals to vacate the property ahead of the demolition exercise.
“Mr. Robert, who was accompanied by his wife and an alleged orderly, claimed ownership of the car lot at the demolition site and demanded that his property be spared in the spirit of esprit de corps,” the statement said.
However, when CSP Akerele refused to compromise professional ethics and public service regulations, the suspect allegedly became aggressive and threatened confrontation between his purported naval personnel and Taskforce operatives.
Suspicion was heightened when the Taskforce Chairman subjected the suspect to a detailed interview, requesting information about his primary military assignment and command.
“Further observation revealed glaring inconsistencies, including improperly worn service ribbons, absence of mandatory regimental insignia, and a generally unkempt appearance inconsistent with that of a senior naval officer,” the statement added.
Following these red flags, CSP Akerele immediately contacted the Naval Police Unit of the Nigerian Navy, which confirmed that the suspect was not a serving naval officer. The confirmation led to the immediate arrest of the suspect and his accomplices.
Speaking on the development, CSP Akerele disclosed that the suspects had already been under surveillance following repeated confrontations with Taskforce officers during field operations and multiple complaints from residents about a man posing as a naval captain to intimidate and coerce them under false pretences.
In a related development, the suspect’s wife reportedly admitted that she had repeatedly cautioned her husband against impersonating military personnel.
“She warned him to desist from the act, saying ‘several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner,’” the statement noted.
The Chairman further revealed that his suspicions deepened when the alleged orderly and other accomplices tactically withdrew from the scene shortly before the arrest.
“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,” CSP Akerele said.
He assured members of the public that the suspects would be prosecuted by the appropriate military authorities, adding that the arrest should serve as a strong deterrent to others who impersonate security personnel to commit crimes and tarnish the image of the Police and the Armed Forces.
“I urge members of the public 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,” he emphasized.
