The 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army situated in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State has apprehended two persons claiming to be Army officers in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The two fake soldiers, said to be specialists in impersonating Army Generals to dupe government agencies and parastatals, were on Wednesday paraded by the Nigerian Army.
The Division’s Army Public Relations Officer and the Commander, Provost Group, Colonel Texas Chukwu and Colonel Arnold Okoro, briefed journalists on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, Major General John Zaruma.
According to Chukwu, the suspects were arrested on September 17, 2014 in Bauchi State after a tip off.
One of the suspects, Aliyu, 46, is said to be Fulani from Adamawa State.
His impersonation rank was that of a Brigadier General.
Ibrahim, 40, a Kanuri, served as his Assistant.
Chukwu said that a search conducted at Aliyu’s house in Kaduna led to the recovery of Nigerian Army uniforms and various ranks, including a 406 saloon car.
He said that the suspects confessed to the crime, adding that dressing as military officers was to give them easy access to the corridors of power and help them secure contracts.
Chukwu further disclosed that upon interrogation, the suspects, who have been in the business since 2006, listed the contracts they have so far executed through impersonation to include construction and renovation of Adamawa State University Clinic in 2010 at a cost of N2.45 million; rehabilation and overhaul of 250KVA MARAPO Generator and two units of 160 KVA CUMINGS for the Nigerian Television Authority in Abuja in 2011 at the cost of N2.2 million; as well as supply of Mili beverage for the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, also in Abuja in 2012 at the cost of N1.8 million.
Okoro, who corroborated Chukwu’s account, warned the general public to be vigilant, adding that the suspects would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
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