By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected security impersonator and recovered a cache of official security uniforms, rank insignia and other sensitive accoutrements during an intelligence-led operation in the state.
The suspect, identified as Precious Joseph, a native of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State residing in Ikot Ekpene, was intercepted on Sunday while riding an unregistered motorcycle along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo during a routine stop-and-search operation.
Police said the suspect introduced himself as a Police Inspector and presented a warrant card bearing the name “Inspector Daniel.” However, his responses reportedly aroused suspicion, prompting officers to conduct a thorough search.
The search uncovered another identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, raising further doubts about his claims and leading detectives to launch a follow-up operation.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence in Ikot Ekpene yielded a cache of items allegedly used for impersonation, including a police beret, inspector rank badges, Police Mobile Force uniforms, police buttons and insignia, a military camouflage sweater, a lawyer’s wig, two pairs of desert boots and other security-related materials.
The suspect is currently in police custody and undergoing interrogation as investigators work to trace the origin of the recovered items, uncover possible accomplices and determine whether he is connected to other criminal activities within or outside Akwa Ibom State.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and crack down on individuals who exploit the identities of security agencies to deceive the public or commit crimes.
The Command also warned that the illegal possession or use of security uniforms, identity cards and official insignia remains a serious criminal offence, urging residents to report anyone suspected of impersonating security personnel to the nearest police station.
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