Nigerian Army Hands Over Fake Soldiers to Police
…Cautions against engaging personnel in settling dispute
By Lawrence Audu
The Nigerian Army has handed over Five impostors whose modus operandi is to present themselves to the unsuspecting members of the general public as Soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
Parading the suspects at the 9 Brigade Headquarters, in Ikeja, an Assistant Public Relations Officer, Major AK Bello stated the efforts of the Nigerian Army towards the protection of lives and Properties and to whip out criminal activities within the Lagos Metropolis.
Those arrested are, Mr. Johnson Ayemoba, arrested at Ojudu Berger, Mr. Salami Olamilekan, arrested at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Mr. Muhammed Bilyaminu, arrested at Iyanapaja, Mr. Abijo Taofeek, arrested at Ikorodu and Mr. Adewale Quadri, arrested at Ikeja.
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He further stated that the impostors were arrested at various locations within Lagos state by the troops of Nigerian Army officers of 9 brigade.
At the official handing over to the Nigerian Police in Lagos for further investigations and subsequent prosecutions to serve a strong message to other criminal elements.
He also mentioned the incident that involved some arrested and paraded by Police in Lagos over the use of Army uniforms to commit armed robberies including the murder of Sen. Yayi and Mr. Lawal, a driver in Lagos.
He also warned people who go behind to engage the services of personnel in military uniforms to settle disputes or provide security for them at functions to desist from this, as the Headquarters will not be held liable for any untoward outcome.
“The suspects, who presented themselves to the general public as soldiers of the Nigerian Army causing havoc, selling by tricks, sometimes killing their victims by using the army uniforms and accoutrement to perform their evil acts. Their actions had indeed affected the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army, almost the law-abiding citizens.”
He however further stated that:” their handing over to the police with aims of carrying out further investigation of the suspects and prosecution by sending the strong message to the other criminals and those contemplating the act within the 9 brigade area of responsibilities and the entire nation by extension.
“It will be recalled recently that, Nigerian police, Lagos state command arrested and paraded some Impostors who used the military uniforms to commit an armed robbery and murdered of motorists, including an aide to a senator representing Ogun state.
Sen. Adeola Yayi also killed an innocent driver named Mr. Lawal. The incident serves as an embarrassment to the reputation of the Nigerian Army and its hierarchy.”
“This Headquarters will continue to uphold the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct, ethics, core values and soldiers* creed, hence, will never encourage or tolerate the engagement of troops in any act that will hurt law-abiding citizens they are meant to protect. We, therefore, appeal to law-abiding citizens to be wary of such impostors parading themselves as soldiers and mounting illegal roadblocks in parts of Lagos state. We also request Lagosians to report any suspicious act by unauthorized men in military uniforms to the appropriate authority in order not to fall victim to their dastardly acts.” he said.
