The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY transferred two suspected impersonators of naval personnel to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Nigeria Police Force in Calabar on Monday. The handover occurred following the completion of preliminary investigations conducted by naval authorities.
Arrest Follows Tip-Off from Concerned Citizen
Naval personnel apprehended the suspects after receiving credible intelligence regarding individuals parading themselves as members of the Nigerian Navy. The information indicated that the accused had allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities while falsely claiming military affiliation.
Commander of NNS VICTORY, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, supervised the transfer of the suspects to police custody. He stated that the Navy remained committed to protecting its institutional integrity. “The Nigerian Navy will not tolerate any individual or group of persons impersonating its personnel to defraud innocent citizens,” Oguntuga said.
Suspects Face Multiple Charges
The accused individuals allegedly utilized fake naval uniforms and identification documents to carry out their operations. Furthermore, they reportedly extorted money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretense of offering employment opportunities within the Navy.
The State Criminal Investigation Department received the suspects alongside exhibits recovered during the arrest. These items included the counterfeit uniforms and forged documents that the suspects allegedly employed in their criminal enterprise.
Police Launch Comprehensive Investigation
The Nigeria Police Force commenced detailed investigations following the handover. A senior officer at SCID Calabar confirmed that detectives would interrogate the suspects thoroughly. The officer added that the case would proceed to prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
Additionally, police authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons claiming military affiliation. The officer emphasized that verification channels exist for confirming the authenticity of individuals presenting themselves as service personnel.
Navy Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Stance
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its determination to clamp down on impersonation across its areas of operation. Consequently, naval formations nationwide intensified surveillance and public enlightenment campaigns to curb such criminal activities.
Naval spokespersons previously warned that impersonation undermined national security and eroded public trust in military institutions. Moreover, they noted that such crimes often facilitated other illegal activities including fraud and illegal security operations.
