NSCDC nabs fake naval rating in Anambra

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command has arrested a suspect impersonating a Nigerian Navy rating and engaging in fraudulent activities in the state.

The suspect, Chukwugozirim Christian, a 39-year-old male from Nnobi in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended at the Kwata Junction in Awka on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, by the NSCDC operatives on a routine visibility patrol.

The Anambra State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, while parading the suspect at the command headquarters in Awka, on Thursday, said preliminary investigations uncovered that the suspect, had been masquerading as a naval officer, duping innocent civilians and engaging in a string of criminal activities.

Olatunde commended the NSCDC operatives for their vigilance and professionalism in apprehending 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 a military officer. 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 added that the parade of the fake naval rating served as a testament to the relentless pursuit of the NSCDC to stop those using the cover of security personnel to perpetrate criminal acts  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.

He assured the public that the command under his watch would 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 would lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminal elements.