The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected fake naval officer and an alleged robber in separate security operations at the Awkuzu checkpoint in Anambra State. The suspects, identified as 37-year-old Brooms Anthony and 36-year-old Christian Ogbole, were taken into custody over the weekend and handed over to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu for further investigation.
Fake Officer Intercepted on Lagos-Enugu Route
Commander Kabir Yusuf, the Commanding Officer of the Onitsha Naval Outpost, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday. According to him, naval personnel intercepted Anthony at about 2am while he was travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck with registration number EPE 288 YM. The truck was conveying household items when a routine security check uncovered an identity card allegedly showing that Anthony was a naval officer.
Yusuf stated, "On interrogation, the suspect could not provide satisfactory evidence to support his claim of being a member of the Nigerian Navy, leading to his arrest for alleged impersonation." Anthony, a native of Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was unable to prove his naval affiliation, prompting his arrest for impersonation.
Second Suspect Apprehended After High-Speed Chase
In a separate operation, naval officers stopped a Suzuki minibus with registration number RNN 573 XA after receiving intelligence about a burglary involving a trader whose shop had recently been broken into. Yusuf explained that the vehicle was allegedly being used to transport stolen property. The minibus approached the Awkuzu checkpoint at high speed and allegedly failed to stop despite signals from security operatives.
Yusuf said, "The personnel reportedly pursued and intercepted the vehicle, leading to the arrest of Ogbole, while other occupants of the bus allegedly escaped." Ogbole, from Onoh Village in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was the only occupant detained as the other passengers fled the scene.
Recovered Items and Next Steps
A search of the Suzuki minibus led to the recovery of six solar batteries, a rechargeable solar fan, two solar lights, a controller, a disco light, and solar cable wires. The owner of the burgled shop later identified the solar equipment, and it was returned to him. Security operatives also recovered two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, 10 litres of petrol, assorted rubber slippers, and a power bank from the vehicle.
Commander Yusuf noted that the arrests demonstrate the Navy's determination to tackle crime in Anambra in collaboration with the police and other security agencies. He added, "The arrests reflected the commitment of security agencies to deny criminals the freedom to operate. We assure residents that the Navy will continue working closely with the Police and other relevant agencies to strengthen security across the state."
Impersonating military officers remains a criminal offence in Nigeria and often attracts prosecution because fake security identities are frequently used to evade checkpoints or carry out criminal activities. Both suspects have been handed over to the RRS in Awkuzu for further investigation.
