In response to viral social media reports, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command has strongly denied allegations that its personnel were involved in a robbery at Seafortunes Hotel in Okota, Lagos State. The incident allegedly involved 15 masked men wearing Civil Defence uniforms and 15 unmasked accomplices.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, some news outlets irresponsibly headlined their stories with “Civil Defence or NSCDC personnel loot Lagos hotel” without proper fact-checking or verification. The Command categorically stated that the perpetrators were not NSCDC members but criminals impersonating security personnel.
“This evil act could only have been perpetrated by criminals and members of the underworld,” Abolurin emphasized. He noted that the impersonation of security agents has become a global trend used by criminals to deceive their victims.
The NSCDC Lagos Command urged the public to maintain their trust in the organization while remaining vigilant against criminals who may impersonate security personnel. They encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities, as criminals constantly develop new methods to target unsuspecting victims.
The Command also called on media organizations to verify their facts before publication, emphasizing the importance of objective reporting and the potential damage sensationalized stories can cause to reputable organizations.
The statement was issued by SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, Public Relations Officer of NSCDC Lagos State Command, on January 31, 2025.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
