The police in Niger State have arrested an alleged dismissed soldier who allegedly defrauded Point of Sale operators of N920,000 by impersonating active military personnel across Bida and surrounding areas.
The suspect, whose identity has been withheld pending investigation, was apprehended at his residence in the Michael Musa area of Mandela Road, Minna, following complaints from multiple victims of his alleged scheme.
According to SP Wasiu Abiodun, Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, the arrested man claimed he was dismissed from the Nigerian Army in 2022 while serving in Benin, Edo State.
Despite his dismissal, he allegedly continued to wear military camouflage uniforms to deceive unsuspecting PoS operators.
The suspect’s activities began on May 12 when he entered a PoS shop near Musa Bello Primary School in Bida around 10:00 a.m. Dressed in military uniform, he allegedly collected N120,000 from the operator under false pretence before fleeing the scene.
“Similarly, on May 23, at about 9:30 a.m., the same suspect dressed in military camouflage went to a PoS attendant at Kataeregi and collected N300,000 and equally escaped,” Abiodun stated.
“On May 29, at about 4:00 p.m., the same situation occurred at a PoS shop along Mandela Road and N500,000 was taken from the victim,” said the police spokesman.
The case was transferred from a magistrate court to the Tudun-Wada Police Division on Tuesday, May 27, at approximately 2:30 p.m., following formal complaints from three victims.
Police operatives tracked down the suspect to his residence where he was arrested while still wearing a military uniform.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to all the incidents, Abiodun confirmed. The charges against him include criminal breach of trust, fraud, and theft.
The Niger State Police Command has assured the public that thorough investigations will be conducted to ensure justice for all victims and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
