The Nigerian Navy has warned Nigerians against recruitment fraudsters impersonating the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on Facebook and other social media platforms.

The navy stated that it does not have a Facebook account, noting that any account found in Ogalla’s name is fake and should be reported via Facebook/meta mechanism.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made this known via a statement issued on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Adams-Aliu, who described as worrisome, the activities of fraudulent individuals exploiting unsuspecting citizens seeking recruitment into the Nigerian Navy, disclosed that a woman, Grace Elijah, was arrested in River State for alleged involvement in recruitment fraud.

He said: “Investigations revealed that certain individuals seize the opportunity provided by the Nigerian Navy recruitment/enlistment to dupe unsuspecting citizens by collecting huge sums of money from them with the promise of recruitment/enlistment.

Navy rescues 250 in Rivers boat mishap

“A notable case is that of Mrs Grace Elijah who was arrested in Landmark Hotel at Trailer Park in Eleme Local Government Area of River State on May 9, 2024, for alleged involvement in enlistment fraud.

“Mrs Grace Elijah is a member of a syndicate that collected the sum of N1,400,000 from 13 civilians with a promise to facilitate their participation in the recently concluded Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) 29 Selection Board Exercise. Mrs Grace Elijah and other suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police and will be prosecuted accordingly.

“These deceitful practices exploit the aspirations of job seekers hence it is important for Nigerians to exercise caution and vigilance when seeking recruitment/enlistment to the Nigerian Navy.

“The public is also to note that authentic recruitment/enlistment processes by the Nigerian Navy are conducted through official channels and are well-publicised through reputable media platforms, including the official website of the Nigerian Navy (www.navy.mil.ng).”

Adams-Aliu added that recruitment into the Nigerian Navy is free, stressing that the navy will never ask any candidate to make any form of monetary payment throughout the entire process.

The Star