The Nigerian Navy has alerted the Nigerian public over the activities of syndicates operating in the name of Nigerian Navy, defrauding prospective candidates by directing them to pay N40,000 for placement in the 2016 recruitment exercise.

Navy Director of Information, Christian Odogwu Ezekobe in a statement issued in Abuja said “The reports available to the Service suggest that the criminal elements are operating in various locations across the country.

“In view of the above,” the statement read, “parents, guardians and candidates have sought confirmation from the Nigerian Navy on this disturbing criminal extortion by the syndicates. Therefore, after a thorough investigation, the Nigerian Navy is requesting parents, guardians, candidates and the general public to avoid being defrauded as nobody has been mandated, directed or authorised to collect money from any candidate in the course of the 2016 recruitment exercise.”

As directed by the Federal Government, the navy says participation in the recruitment exercise remains free. “No candidate is expected to make any form of payment for placement in the Nigerian Navy. However, the list of successful candidates, which is being compiled will soon be released to the general public through appropriate channels of communication,” Ezekobe said.