NSCDC DETAINS FAKE NAVAL OFFICER IN ANAMBRA
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has arrested a man impersonating a Nigerian Navy officer and involved in fraudulent activities.
The suspect, Chukwugozirim Christian, a 39-year-old from Nnobi in the Idemili North Local Government Area, was caught by NSCDC operatives during a routine patrol at Kwata Junction in Awka on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
According to the Anambra State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, who presented the suspect at the command headquarters in Awka on Thursday, initial investigations revealed that the suspect had been posing as a naval officer, deceiving civilians, and participating in various criminal acts.
Olatunde praised the NSCDC operatives for their alertness and professionalism in capturing the suspect.
He said, “On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, our personnel were on patrol to enforce the directive issued by the Commandant General, Ahmed 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 behaviour 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 further stated that the parade of the fake naval officer highlights the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to cracking down on individuals who exploit the guise of security personnel to carry out criminal activities in Anambra.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC state boss has directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to launch a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the suspect’s accomplices, who are currently a large and upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged in court.
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He assures members of the public that the command under his watch will leave no stone unturned in the fight against crimes and criminality in the state, urging them to remain vigilant and provide the command with timely and accurate information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminal elements.