Daud Olatunji
In a significant crackdown on impersonation within Lagos, the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, stationed at Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos, has apprehended five individuals posing as soldiers.
These impostors, Johnson Ayemoba, Salami Olamilekan, Mumammed Bilyaminu, Abijo Taofeek, and Adewale Quadri, were taken into custody following separate incidents in Ojodu Berger, Ikorodu, Ogba, and Ikeja.
Their arrests, confirmed by Major Augustine Kolawole, the Director of Public Relations for the 9 Brigade, came during a routine patrol by the Brigade.
The suspects had been causing disruptions, engaging in theft, and sometimes resorting to violence while using military uniforms and equipment to deceive unsuspecting citizens.
32-year-old Johnson Ayemoba, one of the impersonators, was found dressed in full military camouflage, complete with a photograph of himself donning the military uniform.
He claimed to have obtained the uniform from a friend, stating that he worked as a bouncer providing security at event venues in Ikeja, Lekki, and Victoria Island.
Olamilekan, another impostor, admitted to wearing the uniform to escort vehicles both within and outside Lagos.
He had acquired the uniform from an individual known as “Tiger,” who was introduced to him by Ayemoba.
Major Kolawole emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding its code of conduct and ethics, maintaining that troops deployed on internal security duties must operate professionally within the law.
He urged law-abiding citizens to be cautious of such impostors posing as soldiers and called on Lagosians to report any suspicious activities by unauthorized individuals in military uniforms.
The police investigation and subsequent prosecution of these impostors are expected to send a strong warning to criminals within the 9 Brigade’s jurisdiction and across the nation.
Major Kolawole also warned the public against illegal use of Army stickers, camouflage jungle hats on vehicle dashboards, or any display of military insignia on private vehicles for fashion purposes, as such actions are illegal and may lead to prosecution.
This crackdown follows the recent arrest and exposure of impostors in military uniforms responsible for the murder of an aide to Senator Adela Yayi, Adeniji Sanni, representing Ogun State, last month by the Lagos State Police Command.
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