Navy Arrests Suspected Fake Officer, Armed Robbery Suspect in Anambra

The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspects, including a suspected fake naval officer and an alleged armed robbery suspect, during separate security operations at a checkpoint in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The suspects, identified as 37-year-old Brooms Anthony from Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and 36-year-old Christian Ogbole from Onoh Village in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, were arrested over the weekend.

The Commanding Officer of the Onitsha Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the suspects had been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu for further investigation.

According to Yusuf, Anthony was intercepted at about 2am while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck with registration number EPE 288 YM.

He said naval personnel conducting a routine security check discovered an identity card allegedly indicating that Anthony was a naval officer.

However, during interrogation, the suspect reportedly failed to provide satisfactory evidence to substantiate his claim of being a member of the Nigerian Navy.

Advertisement

He was subsequently arrested for alleged impersonation.

In a separate operation, naval personnel intercepted a Suzuki minibus with registration number RNN 573 XA, which was allegedly being used to transport stolen property.

Yusuf said the operation followed a complaint from a trader whose shop had reportedly been burgled, resulting in the theft of several valuable items.

He explained that the minibus was later sighted approaching the Awkuzu checkpoint at high speed but allegedly failed to stop after security operatives signalled the driver.

The personnel reportedly gave chase and eventually intercepted the vehicle, leading to Ogbole’s arrest, while other occupants allegedly escaped.

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.

Advertisement

The recovered solar equipment was subsequently identified by the complainant 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 the arrests formed part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, to curb criminal activities and protect lives and property in Anambra State.

He assured residents that the Navy would continue to work with the Police and other relevant agencies to strengthen security across the state.