Army nabs 12 suspected impostors in Lagos, Ogun

Officers of the 81 Division Nigerian Army Military Police during ‘Operation Checkmate’ within Lagos and Ogun states, arrested about 12 suspected impostors fully kited in military camouflage uniforms

Acting Deputy Director of 81 Division Army Public Relations, Major Olaniyi Joseph Osoba, made the disclosure on Wednesday in a statement, adding that about 150 impostors have been arrested by the Army from January last year to date The Trumpet gathered.

He further explained that preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects specialized in mounting roadblocks along Ajah Road to extort money from motorists as well as indulge in other illegal duties while dressed in Nigerian Army Camouflage uniforms.

Major Osoba said, “The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Major General Umar Thama Musa in a press briefing dispelled the unfounded narrative that all illicit acts committed by persons dressed in military uniforms are always military personnel. He noted that people displaying military banners and accoutrement such as belts and stickers on vehicles and driving commercial vehicles in military uniforms as well as driving civil vehicles painted in Army colour are most often not personnel of the Nigerian Army.

“He said in an effort to curtail this ugly trend, the Division has heightened the activities of OPERATION CHECKMATE to ensure regular arrest of impostors and offenders within the Division’s area of responsibility. The GOC disclosed that over 150 impostors have been arrested from January last year till date.

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“Major General Musa during the parade of the suspected impostors explained that preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects specialized in mounting roadblocks along Ajah Road to extort money from motorists as well as indulge in other illegal duties while dressed in Nigerian Army Camouflage uniform. Similarly, the GOC said there are some arrested fully dressed in military uniform who were caught along the Ilaro Border area of Ogun State where they carry out smuggling of rice and other contrabands.

“The GOC said the arrested impostors would be handed over to the Nigerian Police for further action. He, therefore, urged members of the public to desist from wearing military uniforms and T-Shirts, display military Banners, Belts and stickers on vehicles as well as driving civil vehicles painted in Army colour.

“He further implored members of the public to continue to support the Division’s OPERATION CHECKMATE by providing information to the nearest Nigerian Army Formations or Units as part of efforts to rid Lagos and Ogun States of criminal elements who are bent on tarnishing the highly revered image of the NA. The GOC thanked members of the press for their efforts in objective reportage of activities of the NA.”