The Nigerian Army has arrested over 12 suspected impostors fully dressed in military camouflage uniforms portraying the Nigerian Army in a bad light during OPERATION CHECKMATE within Lagos and Ogun States respectively.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, Major Olaniyi Osoba, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Major General Umar Musa while briefing journalists in Lagos disclosed that over 150 impostors have been arrested from January last year till date.
Major General Musa during the parade of the suspected impostors explained that preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects specialized in mounting road block along Ajah road to extort money from motorists as well as indulge in other illegal duties while dressed in Nigerian Army Camouflage uniform.
The GOC further revealed that there are some arrested fully dressed in military uniform who were caught along the Ilaro Border area of Ogun State where they carry out smuggling of rice and other contrabands.
General Musa said the arrested impostors would be handed over to the Nigerian Police for further action while urging members of the public to desist from wearing military uniforms and T-Shirts, display of military Banners, Belts and stickers on vehicles as well as the driving of civil vehicles painted in Army colour.
The Commanding Officer further implored members of the public to continue to support the Division’s OPERATION CHECKMATE by providing information to the nearest Nigerian Army Formations or Units as part of efforts to rid Lagos and Ogun States of criminal elements who are bent on tarnishing the image of the NA.
He, therefore, appreciated members of the press for their efforts in the objective reportage of the activities of the Nigerian Army.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 also dispelled the unfounded narrative that all illicit acts committed by persons dressed in military uniforms are always military personnel.
He noted that people displaying military banners and accoutrement such as belts and stickers on vehicles and driving commercial vehicles in military uniform as well as driving civil vehicles painted in Army colour are most often not personnel of the Nigerian Army.
General Musa said in an effort to curtail the ugly trend, the Division has heightened the activities of OPERATION CHECKMATE to ensure the regular arrest of impostors and offenders within the Division’s area of responsibility.
PIAK
