The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested three individuals for allegedly impersonating officers of the Nigerian Navy in an attempt to defraud residents and obstruct lawful government operations during the demolition of illegal structures in the Oworonshoki area of the state.
The arrests were made during enforcement activities aimed at removing illegal shanties and encroachments on government land, under the leadership of the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele.
In a statement issued on January 15, 2026, and signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Taskforce said the suspects falsely presented themselves as naval officers to intimidate residents, evade law enforcement and gain undue advantage during the demolition exercise.
According to the statement, the principal suspect, identified as Mr. James K. Robert—based on the name tag on his uniform and entries in the Taskforce Chairman’s office visitor register—had earlier visited the office to demand the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site. He reportedly ignored several statutory notices and appeals to vacate the property before the exercise commenced.
“Mr. Robert, who was accompanied by his wife and an alleged orderly, claimed ownership of the car lot at the demolition site and urged the Taskforce to spare his property in the spirit of esprit de corps,” the statement said.
However, when CSP Akerele declined to compromise professional ethics and public service rules, the suspect allegedly became aggressive and threatened a confrontation between his supposed naval personnel and Taskforce operatives.
Suspicion arose after the Chairman subjected the suspect to further questioning regarding his military posting and command. The Taskforce observed several inconsistencies, including improperly worn service ribbons, missing regimental insignia and an appearance deemed inconsistent with that of a senior naval officer.
Following these observations, CSP Akerele contacted the Naval Police Unit of the Nigerian Navy, which confirmed that the suspect was not a serving officer. The confirmation led to the immediate arrest of the suspect and his accomplices.
CSP Akerele disclosed that the suspects had been under surveillance due to repeated confrontations with Taskforce officers and complaints from residents about a man posing as a naval captain to intimidate and coerce them.
In a related development, the suspect’s wife reportedly admitted 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 Chairman added that his suspicion deepened when the alleged orderly and other accomplices withdrew from the scene shortly before the arrest.
“Before the suspects could fully realise 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,” he said.
CSP Akerele assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted by the appropriate military authorities, stressing that the arrest serves as a strong warning to those who impersonate security personnel to commit crimes.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official channels, adding that no criminal would be allowed to find safe haven in Lagos State.