In a significant crackdown on criminal impersonation, Nigerian military personnel have apprehended two individuals for falsely representing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The arrest took place in the Utesi community, located within the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Details of the Arrest and Wider Military Operations
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed the arrest in an official statement. He revealed that the operation was conducted on December 11, 2025, following actionable intelligence reports. The suspects are currently held in military custody, where they are undergoing a thorough investigation. They will subsequently be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Major General Onoja's statement also provided a comprehensive update on the Armed Forces' activities across various theatres of operation in the past week. A major highlight was the foiling of a large-scale oil theft in the South-South region, valued at over N15 million. The military's intervention led to the discovery and destruction of three illegal refining sites. The recovered products included:
- 652,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
- 1,510 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
- 2,015 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Ransom Interception and Nationwide Successes
In a separate incident in Kaduna State, troops on a routine check at Kadage in Igabi Local Government Area intercepted two passengers on December 3, 2025, who were carrying N9 million in cash. Investigations established that the money was intended as a ransom payment to secure the release of six abducted children. Military authorities stated that efforts are actively ongoing to track down and arrest the kidnappers responsible.
The weekly operational summary detailed other substantial achievements. Troops neutralised several terrorists and arrested 57 persons, including informants, other criminals, and three gunrunners. Most importantly, security forces successfully rescued 69 kidnapped victims across different parts of the country.
"Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) making materials. Also, caches of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered," Major General Onoja stated.
Leadership Commendation and Call for National Support
The Defence spokesman relayed the commendation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who praised the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the troops. This praise specifically highlighted the successful rescue of the remaining students of St Mary School in Papiri, Niger State. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had earlier confirmed in a Sunday statement that all 230 abducted pupils from the Catholic school were now free.
General Oluyede emphasized that the rescue operation demonstrated the Armed Forces of Nigeria's steadfast dedication to national security and the protection of innocent citizens. He noted that the troops' sacrifices and commitment have justified the nation's confidence in them.
In conclusion, the DMO appealed to all Nigerians, businesses, civil society organizations, and international partners to support the government's security initiatives, especially in light of the emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. "This is a time for collective responsibility and solidarity. Every partnership will aid government efforts to protect lives, restore stability, and speed recovery efforts. Together, we can overcome this challenge and reaffirm our commitment to peace, resilience, and progress," the statement urged.
