Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended three suspected impersonators accused of posing as officers of the Nigerian Navy, including a man identified as James K. Robert, who allegedly claimed the rank of Captain, in connection with the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land in Oworonshoki, Lagos.

The Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this on Thursday at the agency’s Oshodi–Bolade office.

He said the suspects had been falsely presenting themselves as naval personnel to defraud residents and interfere with lawful government activities.

Akerele explained that the arrests followed the suspects’ involvement during the demolition exercise at Oworonshoki, where they allegedly deployed fake military identities to intimidate residents, obstruct enforcement efforts and gain undue advantage.

According to him, the principal suspect, Robert, whose name appeared both on his uniform name tag and in the Taskforce visitor’s register, had earlier visited the office to demand the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site by enforcement officers.

He noted that this was despite the fact that statutory notices and repeated warnings had earlier been issued to Robert to vacate the affected property before the demolition, 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 spirit of esprit de corps,” Akerele said.

He added that when the request was rejected in line with professional standards and public service rules, the suspect allegedly became hostile and threatened a confrontation between his supposed men and Taskforce operatives.

Akerele said further doubts were raised after he subjected the suspect to a detailed interview and requested information about his military posting and command.

He explained that several inconsistencies were observed, including improperly worn service ribbons, missing regimental insignia and an overall appearance inconsistent with that of a senior naval officer.

He said the Taskforce immediately contacted the Naval Police Unit of the Nigerian Navy, which confirmed that the individual was not a serving officer, leading to the arrest of the suspect and his accomplices.

The Taskforce chairman disclosed that the suspects had already been under surveillance following repeated confrontations with officers during field operations, as well as complaints from members of the public about a man allegedly posing as a Navy Captain to intimidate and extort residents.

Akerele also revealed that the suspect’s wife reportedly admitted she had warned her husband on several occasions to stop impersonating military personnel, remarking that “several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner.”

He added that his suspicions deepened when the alleged orderly and other accomplices discreetly 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,” Akerele said.

He assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted by the appropriate military authorities, stressing that the arrest would serve as a strong warning to others who impersonate security personnel to commit crimes and undermine the integrity of the Police and 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 added.

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