The fake soldiers in the base are believed to have been operating a criminal enterprise where they trained high profile criminals.

The base's entrance had a signpost with the inscription "Coastal Defence Force 4th Arms. Signal Ship Base. Okpokwu, Benue State Command".

They were caught with full military fatigues and weapons like cutlasses and what appeared to be locally-made rifles.

Attempts to speak to Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman were unsuccessful as he didn't respond to several phone calls.