In a significant crackdown on criminal impersonation, Nigerian military personnel have apprehended two individuals for allegedly pretending to be the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Impersonators Nabbed in Edo State
The arrest was officially confirmed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a statement released on Monday, December 22, 2025. According to the statement, the two suspects were captured in the Utesi area of Ovia Southwest Local Government in Edo State.
They are currently being interrogated by the troops and will subsequently be transferred to the relevant authorities for prosecution. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of senior military officials from fraudsters.
Nationwide Security Operations Yield Results
The statement from Defence Headquarters also provided a comprehensive update on military activities across the country over recent weeks, showcasing a multi-front offensive against insecurity.
In a notable incident in Kaduna State on December 3, troops at a checkpoint in Kadage, Igabi Local Government Area, intercepted two passengers. The individuals were found in possession of N9 million, which was intended as ransom payment for six adopted children who had been kidnapped.
Furthermore, operations led to the elimination of several terrorists and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. Troops also arrested numerous criminals and collaborators of terrorist groups.
Rescues and Oil Theft Crackdown
During these extensive operations, which spanned five of the nation's six geopolitical zones, security forces successfully rescued multiple kidnap victims.
In a parallel fight against economic sabotage, the military seized 652,000 litres of stolen crude oil. They also arrested five suspects and destroyed three illegal refining sites, dealing a blow to oil thieves.
Successes in the Northeast Theatre
The Northeast region witnessed intense action, with many fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP/JAS) neutralized. Troops recovered their weapons and managed to rescue three kidnap victims.
A major victory was recorded when troops repelled an attack by ISWAP fighters on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari. The terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), but were detected and neutralized before causing damage.
"The operation led to multiple terrorist casualties and seized weapons, ammunition, and logistics," the defence statement emphasized, underscoring the effectiveness of the military's defensive and offensive strategies.
