Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Nigerian Navy’s Naval Outpost in Onitsha has arrested a suspected naval impersonator and an alleged armed robber during separate operations at Awkuzu Checkpoint in Anambra State, recovering stolen items.
The military outpost has also handed the suspects over to the police for further investigation.
The two suspects were arrested on September 5 and later transferred to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, alongside recovered exhibits.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday, the Commanding Officer of the Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Brooms Anthony from Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested for allegedly posing as a naval personnel.
“Anthony was intercepted around 2 a.m. while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck with registration number EPE 288 YM, which was loaded with household items. Security operatives reportedly discovered he was carrying a fake naval identity card,” he said.
Yusuf revealed that in a separate operation, naval personnel arrested 36-year-old Christian Ogbole, from Onoh Village in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, over an alleged armed robbery.
According to Commander Yusuf, the arrest followed a report by a trader whose shop had been broken into and valuables stolen by unidentified suspects.
He explained that operatives later spotted a Suzuki minibus with registration number RNN 573 XA speeding towards the Awkuzu Checkpoint.
“When the driver allegedly ignored signals to stop, security personnel pursued and intercepted the vehicle.
“Ogbole was arrested, while other occupants reportedly fled and remain at large.
“During a search of the vehicle, operatives recovered six solar batteries, a rechargeable solar fan, two solar lights, a controller, a disco light and solar cable wires, all of which were returned to their owner.
“Additional exhibits recovered included two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, a 10-litre container of petrol, assorted rubber slippers and a power bank,” he said.
Commander Yusuf described the arrests as part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to complement other security agencies in combating crime and protecting lives and property across the state.
He assured residents that the Navy would continue working closely with the Police and other security agencies to deny criminals safe havens.
The suspects, the recovered Suzuki minibus and other exhibits have been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, while investigations continue and efforts intensify to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” Yusuf revealed.
