Navy Arrests Suspected Fake Officer, Robbery Suspect in Anambra
The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspects, including a suspected fake naval officer and a suspected armed robber, during separate security operations at a checkpoint in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. The Commanding Officer of the Onitsha Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, identified the suspects 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. Yusuf said both men were arrested over the weekend and handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu for further investigation. According to him, Anthony was intercepted around 2am while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck loaded with household items. During a routine security check, naval personnel allegedly found an identity card indicating that Anthony was a naval officer, but he reportedly could not provide satisfactory evidence to support the claim. He was subsequently arrested for alleged impersonation. In a separate operation, Ogbole was arrested after naval personnel intercepted a Suzuki minibus allegedly being used to transport stolen property. The operation followed a complaint from a trader whose shop had reportedly been burgled and valuable items stolen.
Yusuf said the minibus was later sighted approaching the Awkuzu checkpoint at high speed but allegedly failed to stop when signalled by security personnel. The officers reportedly pursued and 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. The naval commander said the recovered solar equipment was identified by the trader and subsequently 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 combat criminal activities and protect lives and property in Anambra State. He said the operations demonstrated the commitment of security agencies to preventing criminals from operating freely and assured residents that the Navy would continue working with the Police and other relevant agencies to strengthen security across the state.
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