NSCDC Parades Fake Naval Rating In Anambra
BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested a male suspect for impersonating a Nigerian Navy (NN) rating and engaging in fraudulent activities in the state.
According to the NSCDC, the suspect, 39-year-old Chukwugozirim Christian, from Nnobi in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended by operatives at the Kwata Junction in Awka, the State capital, on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, during a routine visibility patrol.
The Anambra State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, who paraded the suspect at the Command headquarters in Awka on Thursday, said preliminary investigations showed the suspect, has been masquerading as a naval officer, duping innocent civilians and engaging in a string of criminal activities.
Olatunde, while commending the NSCDC operatives for their vigilance and professionalism in apprehending the suspect, told reporters that; “On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, our personnel were on patrol to enforce the directive issued by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, to prevent undesirable elements and undemocratic forces from causing chaos and disrupting the peace among law-abiding residents of the state, particularly during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.
“The suspect was observed exhibiting an unusual appearance while impersonating a military officer. His dubious behaviour caught the attention of our operatives, who promptly pursued and apprehended him, subsequently bringing him in for questioning at our office.
“Upon questioning, the suspect alleged to be a naval rating, prompting the Command to contact the Naval Base in Onitsha for verification.
“However, the Naval authorities confirmed that he was an impersonator, with no affiliation to the Nigerian Navy.
“A search of the suspect’s residence yielded a trove of incriminating evidence, including various military gear like 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 NSCDC Commandant said arresting and publicly parading the fake naval rating is a testament to the NSCDC’s relentless efforts at stopping those using the cover of security personnel to perpetrate criminal acts in Anambra.
He further stated thus; “The corps remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the citizens of Anambra State from impostors and criminals, and we will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten the security and well-being of Anambra residents”.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC Commandant has directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to launch a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the suspect’s accomplices, who are currently at large
He said upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect would be charged in court, assuring the public that the Command under his watch would leave no stone unturned in the fight against crimes and criminality across the state.
Olatunde urged members of the public to always remain vigilant and provide the Command with timely and accurate information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminal elements that seek to disrupt the peace and serenity of Anambra State.
