Some Naval impostors have been arrested in their camp for illegal operations in Lagos.
About 108 suspects who pride themselves as ‘Nigerian Merchant Navy’, were alleged to be impersonating the Nigerian Navy have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.
The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, said, “On November 10, 2021, around 11 am, the Lagos State Police Command raided the training camp of the Merchant Navy located in the Ogudu-Sandfield area, Lagos State.”
“They arrested the Commanding Officer, Sunday Dakar, 47, together with 107 suspects currently on training.”
He said the Police Command swung into action after credible intelligence information on the group’s illegal activities.
“The command embarked on detailed surveillance of the camp and its activities. Upon careful monitoring of the camp and its operators, the command carried out a well-coordinated operation at the training camp in the early hours of the day.”
During the raid by the ‘Operations Department’ of the Command, he stated that the items were recovered, including several military regalias like ID cards, camouflage badges of ranks, a flag, and a signboard.
“Some other items recovered include a portrait of the commanding officer, recruitment letters, promotion letters, two motorcycles, three cutlasses, criminal charms and other items.”
Odumosu, who disclosed that the Police discovered the group had been operating illegally since 2005, said the Nigerian Merchant Navy has been outlawed by the Federal government and urged citizens to be vigilant and careful of people posing as military personnel to carry out illegal operations.
The CP took the opportunity to warn other groups or individuals operating illegally to desist from the act; otherwise, the arm of the law will clamp down on them soon.
Dakar, the commanding officer of the illegal camp, confessed to recruiting members and waiting for the Federal Government.
He also said they do not have facilities to stay, but they have managed for over ten years.