By Orji Onyekwere
The 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos State, has arrested five individuals who were impersonating soldiers in different areas of Lagos.
The suspects, identified as Johnson Ayemoba, Salami Olamilekan, Mumammed Bilyaminu, Abijo Taofeek, and Adewale Quadri, were apprehended separately in Ojodu Berger, Ikorodu, Ogba, and Ikeja during a routine patrol conducted by the Brigade.
One of the impersonators, Johnson Ayemoba, was found dressed in full military camouflage and claimed to have obtained the uniform from a friend named Tiger.
Salami Olamilekan stated that he wore the uniform to escort vehicles within and outside Lagos and also acquired it from the same person referred to as Tiger.
Major Augustine Kolawole, the Director of Public Relations for the 9 Brigade, explained that these impostors have been causing disturbances, engaging in theft through deception, and sometimes resorting to violence while using military uniforms and equipment. The suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
Major Kolawole warned the public against impersonation and the use of Army stickers, camouflage jungle hats on vehicle dashboards, or the display of military insignia on private vehicles, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and may result in prosecution for impersonation.
He encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities by unauthorized individuals in military uniforms to the appropriate authorities.
