By Eze Chidozie
The 81 Division Nigerian Army Military Police personnel have arrested 12 suspected impostors fully dressed in military camouflage uniforms.
They were apprehended by military in an operation code named OPERATION CHECKMATE within Lagos and Ogun states.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Major-General Umar Thama Musa, in a press briefing dispelled the narrative that all illicit acts committed by persons dressed in military uniforms are always by military personnel.
He noted that some people displaying military banners and accoutrement such as belts and stickers on their vehicles and driving commercial vehicles in military uniform, as well as driving civil vehicle painted in Army colour are most often not personnel of the Nigerian Army.
He explained that 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’s area of responsibility.
The GOC stated that over 150 impostors have been arrested from January last year till date.
General Musa during the parade of the suspects explained that preliminary investigation have 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 uniforms.
Similarly, the GOC said there are some other suspects arrested fully dressed in regular military uniform, along the Ilaro Border area of Ogun State where they carry out smuggling of rice and other contraband.
The GOC said the arrested suspects would be handed over the Nigerian Police for further action.
He therefore urged members of the public to desist from wearing military uniforms and T- shirts, display of military banners, belts and stickers on vehicles, as well as driving of civil vehicles painted in Army colour.
He further implored members of the public to continue to support the Division’s OPERATION CHECKMATE by proving information to the nearest Nigerian Army Formations or Units as part of efforts to rid Lagos and Ogun States or criminal elements who are bent on tarnishing the highly revered image of the NA.
The GOC thanked members of the press for their efforts in objective reportage of activities of the NA.
