Navy arrests fake officer, suspected robber in Anambra

The Nigerian Navy said it has arrested two suspects, including a suspected fake naval officer and a suspected armed robber, during separate security operations conducted at a checkpoint in Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commanding Officer of the Onitsha Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, identified the suspects as 37-year-old Brooms Anthony, said to be 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 suspects were arrested over the weekend and subsequently handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu for further investigation.

He said, “Anthony was intercepted at about 2am while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck with registration number EPE 288 YM.

“The truck was conveying household items when naval personnel conducting a routine security check discovered an identity card allegedly showing that Anthony was a naval officer.

“On interrogation, the suspect could not provide satisfactory evidence to support his claim of being a member of the Nigerian Navy, leading to his arrest for alleged impersonation.

“In a separate operation, naval personnel arrested Ogbole after intercepting a Suzuki minibus with registration number RNN 573 XA, which was allegedly being used to transport stolen property.”

Yusuf explained that the operation followed a complaint from a trader whose shop had recently been burgled, with several valuable items reportedly stolen.

“The vehicle was later sighted approaching the Awkuzu checkpoint at high speed, but allegedly failed to stop after being signalled by security operatives.

“The personnel reportedly pursued and intercepted the vehicle, leading to the arrest of Ogbole, while other occupants of the bus allegedly escaped.”

According to him, 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 later identified by the trader and returned to him.

He added that other items recovered during the operation included two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, 10 litres of petrol, assorted rubber slippers and a power bank.

Yusuf said the operations were 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.

“The arrests reflected the commitment of security agencies to deny criminals the freedom to operate. We assure residents that the Navy will continue working closely with the Police and other relevant agencies to strengthen security across the state,” he added.