A 39-year-old indigene of Anambra State has been arrested by security operatives for allegedly impersonating Nigerian Navy personnel and engaging in fraudulent activities in the State.
The arrest made by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, was announced yesterday.
The suspect, Chukwugozirim Christian, from Nnobi in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended at Kwata Junction in Awka on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 by NSCDC operatives on a routine visibility patrol.
Announcing the arrest while parading the suspect at the State Command Headquarters in Awka, the State NSCDC Commandant, Comdt. Maku Olatunde revealed that preliminary investigations uncovered that the suspect had been masquerading as a naval officer, duping innocent civilians, and engaging in a string of criminal activities.
Comdt. Olatunde commended his operatives for their vigilance and professionalism in apprehending the suspect.
“On Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, our personnel were on patrol to enforce the directive issued by the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to prevent undesirable elements and undemocratic forces from causing chaos and disrupting the peace among law-abiding residents of the state, particularly during the #EndBadGovernance Nationwide Protest.
“The suspect was observed exhibiting an unusual appearance while impersonating military personnel, and his dubious behavior caught the attention of our operatives, who promptly pursued and apprehended him, subsequently bringing him in for questioning at our office.
“Upon questioning, the suspect alleged to be a naval rating, prompting the command to contact the Naval Base in Onitsha for verification. However, the Naval authorities confirmed that he was an impersonator, with no affiliation to the Nigerian Navy.
“A search of the suspect’s residence yielded a trove of incriminating evidence, including various military gear like a walkie-talkie, a black beret and belt, a complete blue combat uniform, a lanyard, a camouflage top, a matchet, a white naval shirt, and a blue belt,” he said.
Comdt Maku said the parade of the fake naval rating serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of NSCDC to stop those using the cover of security personnel to perpetrate criminal acts in Anambra State.
“The Corps remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the citizens of Anambra State from impostors and criminals, and we will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten the security and well-being of Anambra residents,” he stated.
The NSCDC State boss said he had directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to launch a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the suspect’s accomplices, who are currently large, and upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged in court.
