Navy Arrests Fake Officer, Suspected Robber In Anambra

The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspects, including a man accused of impersonating a naval officer and another allegedly linked to an armed robbery, during separate operations at Awkuzu Checkpoint in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The suspects were identified as 37-year-old Brooms Anthony from Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and 36-year-old Christian Ogbole from Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The Commanding Officer, Onitsha Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, said Anthony was intercepted at about 2am while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck loaded with household items.

Yusuf said operatives found him carrying an identity card falsely claiming that he was a naval personnel, leading to his arrest for alleged impersonation.

In a separate operation, Ogbole was arrested after naval personnel intercepted a Suzuki minibus allegedly being used to transport stolen goods.

Yusuf said the operation followed a report from a trader whose shop had been burgled. The vehicle was reportedly spotted approaching the checkpoint at high speed and failed to stop when signalled by security personnel.

The operatives gave chase and eventually intercepted the vehicle, arresting Ogbole while other occupants reportedly 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 recovered items were subsequently identified and returned to the trader.

Other exhibits recovered included two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, 10 litres of petrol, assorted rubber slippers and a power bank.

The suspects, vehicle and recovered exhibits were handed over to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, for further investigation.

Yusuf said the arrests formed part of the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies to combat criminal activities and protect lives and property across Anambra State.