By Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku
Abuja, Nigeria – The 81 Division of Nigerian Army Military Police Personnel have arrested over 12 suspected impostors fully dressed in military camouflage uniforms portraying the Nigerian Army in bad light during OPERATION CHECKMATE within Lagos and Ogun States.
A press release signed today by Major OLANIYI JOSEPH OSOBA, Acting Deputy Director at the 81 Division Army Public Relations, said that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of Nigerian Army, Major General Umar Thama Musa dispelled the unfounded narrative that all illicit acts committed by persons dressed in military uniforms are always military personnel.
“Person displaying military banners and accoutrement such as belts and stickers on vehicles and driving commercial vehicle in military uniform as well as driving civil vehicle painted in Army colour are most often not personnel of the Nigerian Army.
“In an effort to curtail this ugly trend, the Division has heightened the activities of OPERATION CHECKMATE to ensure regular arrest of impostors and offenders within the Division area of responsibility. Over 150 impostors have been arrested from January last year till date,” the GOC said.
Major General Musa said during the parade of the suspected impostors that preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects specialized in mounting road block along Ajah road to extort money from motorist as well as indulge in other illegal duties while dressed in Nigerian Army Camouflage uniform.
Similarly, the GOC said there are some arrested fully dressed in military uniform who were caught along the Ilaro Border area of Ogun State where they carry out smuggling of rice and other contrabands.
The GOC said the arrested impostors would be handed over to the Nigerian Police for further action. He therefore urged members of the public to desist from wearing military uniform and T- Shirts, display of military Banners, Belts and stickers on vehicles as well as driving of civil vehicles painted in Army colour.
Major General Umar Thama Musa implored members of the public to continue to support the Division’s OPERATION CHECKMATE by providing information to the nearest Nigerian Army Formations or Units as part of efforts to rid Lagos and Ogun States off criminal elements who are bent on tarnishing the highly revered image of the Nigerian military.
