The Anambra Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested Christian Chukwugozirim, who is suspected of impersonating Nigerian Navy personnel and engaging in fraudulent activities.
NSCDC Commandant in the state, Olatunde Maku, paraded the suspect on Thursday and reported that Chukwugozirim was apprehended on Tuesday in Awka during a routine visibility patrol by NSCDC operatives.
According to Maku, the 39-year-old suspect is a native of Nnobi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
“On August 6, at Kwata Junction in Awka, the suspect was observed exhibiting an unusual appearance while impersonating military personnel. His dubious behavior caught the attention of our operatives,” Maku said.
“They promptly pursued and apprehended him, subsequently bringing him in for questioning at our office.”
Maku noted that during questioning, the suspect claimed to be a naval rating, prompting the command to contact the Naval Base in Onitsha for verification.
“However, authorities confirmed that he was an impersonator, with no affiliation to the Nigerian Navy,” he added.
A search of the suspect’s residence revealed various military gear, including a walkie-talkie, a black beret and belt, a complete blue combat uniform, a lanyard, a camouflage top, a machete, a white naval shirt, and a blue beret.
Maku said that preliminary investigations also uncovered that the suspect had been masquerading as a naval officer, duping innocent civilians and engaging in a string of criminal activities.
He has directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to launch a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect’s accomplices, who are currently at large.
According to Maku, the suspect will be charged accordingly after investigations.
NSCDC arrests fake naval officer in Anambra
