11 November 2009
Lagos — Nigerian Navy yesterday raised alarm over the increasing number of fake Navy personnel in Lagos and other parts of the country.
Director, Naval Information, Commodore David Nabaida and Commanding Officer, NNS Becroft, Commodore Obi Ozojiofor, raised the alarm at a media briefing at the Western Naval Command, Apapa , Lagos , where seven suspected fake naval personnel and their camp leaders were paraded.
The Navy headquarters stated that over 90 percent of people arrested in navy uniforms, harassing, intimidating and brutalising members of the public are fakes. The authorities said illegal training camps being operated by people suspected to be pushing out these fakes into the society had been uncovered.
Nabaida explained that the situation is currently making the Nigerian waters unsafe as these fakes have infiltrated the sea, working hand in hand with pirates to destroy the country's economy.
"Our men are reported to be harassing people everywhere, escorting goods, brutalising innocent citizens and illegally extorting people, but when we arrest those involved and bring them here for interrogation, you discover that they are not our personnel.
"People should properly investigate the identity of these people before accusing the Navy. They have their camps around the country and even train these fakes on how to handle arms. We have arrested them severally but when they get to the court, they find their way out," he said.
He said the Navy is determined to change the situation that has put the image of the country in bad light and also made the Nigerian waters unsafe for business. He advised vessel owners to be careful of those they employ to man their vessels as he also warned members of the public to be careful with the way they deal with these fake naval personnel.
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