Lagos Taskforce Arrests Fake Naval Captain and Two Accomplices
The Lagos State Taskforce has achieved a significant breakthrough in its mission to maintain law and order, following the Lagos Taskforce arrest January 2026 of a notorious impersonator. The suspect, identified as James K. Robert, was apprehended alongside two accomplices—including his wife—for allegedly posing as a high-ranking officer of the Nigerian Navy. This dramatic arrest occurred in the wake of the ongoing Oworonshoki demolition update, where the state government has been reclaiming land from illegal shanties and unauthorized encroachments.
The Bold Impersonation of James Robert
The case against the fake naval captain James Robert is one of audacity and deception. According to official reports from the Taskforce headquarters in Oshodi, Robert appeared in full naval regalia, complete with a captain’s insignia and a name tag. He allegedly used this false identity to intimidate local residents, evade statutory enforcement, and obstruct the lawful activities of government officials.
The situation escalated when Robert visited the Taskforce chairman’s office to demand the release of vehicles impounded during the Oworonshoki exercise. Claiming the “spirit of esprit de corps,” he sought preferential treatment for a car lot he purportedly owned at the demolition site. However, his aggressive demeanor and inability to provide specific details about his military posting raised immediate red flags for the Taskforce leadership.
How the Taskforce Exposed the Fraud
The downfall of the suspects was orchestrated by the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele enforcement specialist. During a rigorous interrogation, Akerele noticed glaring inconsistencies in Robert’s appearance, including improperly worn service ribbons and missing regimental insignia that any genuine senior officer would possess.
Suspicion turned into certainty when the Taskforce contacted the Naval Police Unit of the Nigerian Navy. The Navy swiftly confirmed that James K. Robert was not in their database and had no recognition within any of its commands. Before the suspect could escape, the Naval Military Police arrived on the scene to take him and his accomplices into custody. It was further revealed that Robert had ignored several statutory notices to vacate the Oworonshoki property long before the demolition began.
Broader Implications for Lagos Security
This incident highlights a disturbing trend of impersonating Nigerian Navy officers and other security personnel to facilitate criminal activities. The Taskforce revealed that Robert had been under surveillance for some time due to repeated confrontations with field officers and numerous public complaints about a man using a military persona to coerce and extort residents.
The successful arrest serves as a stern warning to those who attempt to tarnish the image of Nigeria’s Armed Forces for personal gain. The Taskforce has vowed to continue its “zero-tolerance” policy toward impersonation, noting that such acts undermine the integrity of genuine security operations. As the suspects face prosecution by military and civil authorities, the state government remains focused on completing the urban renewal projects in Oworonshoki without further illegal interference.
Public Safety and Awareness
Residents of Lagos are encouraged to remain vigilant and verify the identities of individuals claiming to be security agents, especially during enforcement exercises. The Lagos Taskforce arrest January 2026 serves as a reminder that the law is no respecter of persons, real or fake. By reporting suspicious behavior through official channels, citizens can help the Taskforce ensure that Lagos remains a city where order and transparency prevail over intimidation and fraud.
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