By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit has arrested three suspects for allegedly impersonating Nigerian Navy officers to defraud residents and obstruct lawful government operations.

The agency’s spokesperson, Mr. Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.

He said the suspects were apprehended during enforcement activities following the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land at Oworonshoki.

“The impostors paraded themselves as naval officers to intimidate residents, evade enforcement actions, and gain undue advantages during official operations,” Gbadeyan said.

He explained that the principal suspect visited the Taskforce headquarters, demanding the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site.

“This followed several statutory notices and repeated appeals to vacate the property before demolition, which he ignored,” the spokesperson said.

Gbadeyan said the suspect, accompanied by his wife and an alleged orderly, claimed ownership of a car lot and sought preferential treatment “in the spirit of esprit de corps”.

He added that the suspect became aggressive after CSP Akerele refused to compromise professional ethics and public service regulations.

“The man, posing as a Navy Captain, threatened that his men would confront Taskforce operatives,” Gbadeyan said.

Suspicion deepened after the suspect failed to provide credible details of his military posting and command during questioning by the chairman.

“Further checks revealed improperly worn ribbons, missing regimental insignia, and an appearance inconsistent with a senior naval officer,” he said.

According to Gbadeyan, the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Police confirmed that the individual was not a serving officer.

He said the suspect and two accomplices were subsequently arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy Military Police.

Gbadeyan noted that the suspects had been under surveillance due to repeated confrontations with Taskforce officers and complaints from residents alleging intimidation.

He said the suspect’s wife admitted warning him against impersonation, saying, “Several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner.”

The spokesperson assured residents that the suspects would be prosecuted by appropriate military authorities.

“This arrest will deter impersonators and protect the integrity of the Police and Armed Forces,” Gbadeyan said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official channels.

“Report any suspicious activity; no criminal will be allowed safe haven in Lagos State,” he said. (NAN)