The Nigerian Navy has arrested a 37-year-old man, Brooms Anthony, for allegedly impersonating a naval officer during a routine security operation at Awkuzu in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Anthony, who hails from Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested at about 2am while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck conveying household items.
According to the Commanding Officer of the Onitsha Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, the suspect was intercepted at a checkpoint by naval personnel conducting a routine security check.
Yusuf said the personnel discovered an identity card allegedly indicating that Anthony was a naval officer, but he was unable to provide satisfactory evidence to support his claim.
“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,” he stated.
The naval commander added that a second suspect, 36-year-old Christian Ogbole from Onoh Village in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was also arrested during a separate operation.
According to him, Ogbole was arrested after naval personnel intercepted a Suzuki minibus allegedly being used to transport stolen property.
Yusuf explained that the operation followed a complaint from a trader whose shop had recently been burgled and several valuable items stolen.
He said the minibus was sighted approaching the Awkuzu checkpoint at high speed but allegedly failed to stop when signalled by security personnel.
“The personnel reportedly pursued and intercepted the vehicle, leading to the arrest of Ogbole, while other occupants of the bus allegedly escaped,” he said.
Items recovered from the vehicle included six solar batteries, a rechargeable solar fan, two solar lights, a controller, a disco light and solar cable wires.
The recovered solar equipment was subsequently identified by the trader and returned to him.
Other items recovered included two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, 10 litres of petrol, assorted rubber slippers and a power bank.
Yusuf said both suspects were arrested over the weekend and handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu for further investigation.
He said the operations were part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with other security agencies, to tackle criminal activities and protect lives and property in Anambra State.
“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,” he added.