Chiemelie Ezeobi
Three members of an illegal security outfit, identified as the Gallantry Intelligence Corps, were recently arrested by the Nigerian Navy for impersonation and intent to swindle unsuspecting members of the public.
The operation, which was carried out by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, saw the naval operatives arrest three of the staff members of the illegal outfit at the Isolo area of Lagos.
The arrested suspects were identified as Oladele Opeyemi Daniel (23),
Eriwole Ogunlana (24) and
Mubarak Mayegun (24), and were yesterday handed over to the police at State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.
According to the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the arrest was a significant development to prevent them from swindling the general public.
He said: “This operation, conducted on 1 September 2023, was initiated in response to alarming reports of fraudulent individuals featuring the image of Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral EI Ogalla in printed posters being circulated.
“The impostors sought to deceive the public into believing there exists a false collaboration between an illegal security outfit, tagged Gallantry Intelligence Corps of Nigeria and the Nigerian Navy.
“The Nigerian Navy appeals to the public to be mindful of unscrupulous elements, who want to inflict unnecessary hardship by using unpleasant means to lure innocent youths to commit resources for illegitimate employment.
“The Nigerian Navy Under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, reaffirms its commitment to thwarting all forms of illegality and remains resolute in providing conducive employment for law abiding citizens to go about their business as well as ensuring safety and security of the public, which is essential for the economic prosperity of our nation.
“The Navy also urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, as this is crucial in preserving integrity of our defence forces and safeguarding the public from potential scams and fraudulent activities.”
