The 9th Brigade Nigerian Army Ikeja Cantonment has apprehended five impostors parading as soldiers of the Nigerian Army while committing criminal activities that disrupt the peace and security of Lagos state and environs.
The impostors, identified as Etuk Anyaime, Kenneth Dankadi, Samuel Isaac, Ajayi Fatai and Sulaiman Kamaldeen, were arrested for offences, including illegal duties, providing illegal security, illegal escort, and stealing.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commander 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi, advised law abiding citizens in the state to be wary of such elements.
He stated that the populace should also realise that a number of operations have been initiated in conjunction with other security agencies to go after the criminals, as there would be no hiding place for them.
He stated that the action had damaged the reputation of the Nigerian Army and raised concerns about the level of insecurity in Lagos state.
“Kenneth Danladi was arrested on December 30, 2023 by troops of Operation MESA on routine patrol at Ojota general area and at the time of arrest, Danladi was fully dressed in woodland camouflage uniform without any means of identification card.
“He confessed that he stole the woodland camouflage at Arakan Barracks Apapa, where he worked as a bricklayer.
“He also confessed to escorting commercial vehicles and civilians to neighboring states like Ogun, Oyo and Osun and plying BRT with uniform.
Similarly, he said Etuk Anyanime was arrested on January 3, 2024 by troops of Operation MESA at Livider Lounge, Ogudu area.
At the time of his arrest, Mr Etuk was fully dressed in woodland camouflage uniform providing security cover and engaging in illegal duties without any form of identification.
“He has been engaging in other forms of illegalities across the state deceiving unsuspecting civilians that he is a soldier,” he said.
He further explained that “Ajayi Fatai is also a dismissed soldier from NATRAC Kontangora, for an offence of theft. He was arrested by HQ 9 Brigade Operation MESA patrol team at Bolade Oshodi Task Force gate.”
