The Nigerian Army’s 9th Brigade in Ikeja cantonment, Lagos has arrested five persons for masquerading as soldiers.
The suspects, identified as Johnson Ayemoba, Salami Olamilekan, Mumammed Bilyaminu, Abijo Taofeek, and Adewale Quadri, were reportedly apprehended on separate occasions at Ojodu Berger, Ikorodu, Ogba, and Ikeja areas of the state.
According to the Director of Public Relations for the 9 Brigade, Major Augustine Kolawole, the suspects were captured during a routine patrol conducted by the Brigade and have since been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
Vanguard reports that one of the impersonators, 32-year-old Johnson Ayemoba, was found dressed in full military camouflage, with a photograph of himself wearing the military uniform.
During interrogation, Ayemoba said: “I work as a bouncer and provide security at event places like Ikeja, Lekki, and Victoria Island. I obtained the uniform from my friend, Tiger. My arrest occurred in Ikeja while I was not wearing the uniform but in civilian attire. I took this picture during my birthday.”
For Olamilekan, he explained that he wore it to escort vehicles within and outside Lagos, adding that he acquired the uniform from a man he gave his name simply as Tiger, who was introduced to him by the first suspect.
While briefing journalists on the arrest, Major Kolawole, said: “These impostors had been presenting themselves as soldiers of the Nigerian Army, causing disturbances, engaging in th£ft through deception, and at times, resorting to viol£nce while using military uniforms and equipment. These actions, along with those of other impostors still at large, have severely tarnished the reputation of the Nigerian Army among law-abiding citizens.”
