Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, have arrested a man who has been using the Nigerian navy to perpetrate crime and extort people in the state.
The Anambra State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, announced the arrest in Awka on Thursday while the command was parading the suspect. He explained that, according to preliminary investigations, the suspect had been moving around the state capital and engaging in criminal activities using the name of the Narval office.
The suspect was Chukwugozirim Christian, a 39-year-old male from Nnobi in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The NSCDC operatives, the men of the force who were on patrol around the town, arrested him at the Kwata Junction in Awka on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. He further explained that the officers were moving around the state to ensure no law breakdown during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.
He noted that the suspect wore a Navy uniform when the officer saw him. According to him, the suspect was exhibiting an unusual character, which prompted the officers to interrogate him, which led to the act. He explained that the initial interrogation led to the decision to take the suspect to the command’s questioning office.
When interrogated, the suspect claimed to be a naval rating; upon contacting the naval base in Onitsha command, the commandant noted that the naval authorities confirmed that he was an impersonator without affiliation to the Nigerian Navy.
Speaking further about the suspect, the commandant explained that when the operative went to search the suspect’s residence, so many implicating materials were found in his home. He listed some items as 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.
The Commandant explained that the arrest of the fake naval officer was part of the efforts of the NSCDC in the state to uncover every criminal impersonating any security agencies. He further noted that the NSCDC in the state will bring all individuals who are criminals to book. He explained that the peace and security of the state are not negotiable.
The NSCDC boss directed the intelligence and investigation department to conduct a more in-depth investigation, which will aid in arresting other individuals associated with the suspect. He noted that the other individuals who are associated with the suspect are currently at large. He explained that the suspect will charged to court as soon all investigations are concluded.
He assured the public of the command’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of the individuals in the state. In his statement, the commandant appreciated the corp men’s professionalism and vigilantness in discharging their duties in the state.
