Police arrest fake soldiers, impound 296 vehicles in Abuja
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested two suspects, Emmanuel Linus and Moses Daniel, for impersonating a Nigerian Army officer.
One of the suspects, Linus, was apprehended on 30th November 2024, around 2:00 p.m., dressed in full Nigerian Army camouflage uniform.
During initial interrogation, Linus allegedly presented a fake military identification card listing his date of birth as 20th December 2024, which immediately raised suspicions.
Parading the suspects and others recently arrested across the FCT on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, stated that Linus and Daniel were members of a criminal syndicate specialising in defrauding unsuspecting victims.
“The group reportedly purchases goods and services using fake bank alerts to deceive sellers. The police have commenced a thorough investigation into the matter, with efforts ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate. Authorities have assured the public that additional updates will be provided as investigations progress,” Disu added.
Disu also disclosed that following his directive banning vehicles without number plates and the use of tinted glasses, no fewer than 296 vehicles had been impounded.
He said, “I am pleased to report our progress since the launch of the Command’s Special Tactical Team. To date, the Command has impounded 296 vehicles for violations such as the use of tinted glasses, driving with only one plate number, and the use of concealed or defaced number plates.”
Additionally, two suspects were arrested for destroying streetlight poles behind the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and stealing cables.
Disu revealed that one of the suspects is a dismissed police officer and that the recovered cables were valued at over ₦20 million.
He said, “Following five days of surveillance after noticing suspicious movements around manholes in the area, a significant breakthrough was made. On 29th November 2024, at approximately 3:49 a.m., a distress call was received regarding the vandalism of streetlight poles behind the Foreign Affairs Office in Abuja.
“Acting swiftly, operatives apprehended two suspects, Awal Mustaf and David Maji (a dismissed police officer), during the operation. The stolen streetlight cables, property of the Federal Capital Development Authority, were estimated to be worth between ₦20 million and ₦25 million. Items recovered from the suspects include: Two medium-sized streetlight poles, Several large streetlight poles and Cables.
“Both suspects are currently in custody and undergoing comprehensive investigation. “
In total, Disu said 16 suspects, 11 exhibits and seven cars were paraded.
