The Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt has apprehended a man identified as Desmond Okeh for impersonating a Lance Corporal in the Army. Lt.-Col. Ikedichi Iweha, the Spokesman of Nigeria Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt, presented the fake soldier before the media on Tuesday.
The suspect was apprehended following an intelligence report about his activities at a new generation bank in the Government Reserve Area of Port Harcourt. He was found fully dressed in military camouflage and in possession of a fake military identification card.
During interrogation, Okeh confessed to buying the military camouflage from Kotuku Barracks in Kaduna and having it sewn at a tailoring shop. He also revealed that he obtained the army boot from vendors in Lagos and printed the fake identification card at a cybercafé in Imo state.
This is not the first time Okeh has been caught impersonating a soldier. He was previously arrested for the same offense in May 2022 and handed over to another security agency for prosecution. However, it is alarming that he continued to operate and harass innocent civilians while posing as a soldier.
Lt.-Col. Ikedichi Iweha warned the public to be cautious of individuals who impersonate military officers to defraud them. He emphasized that not everyone wearing military camouflage is a genuine soldier.
Desmond Okeh admitted that his admiration for the military led him to impersonate an army officer after unsuccessful attempts to join the army. He expressed his desire to feel a part of the military and therefore purchased the camouflage material to create the illusion.
The arrest of Desmond Okeh serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and discerning when dealing with individuals claiming to be military personnel. The Nigeria Army continues its efforts to ensure the integrity of its ranks and protect civilians from impostors who seek to exploit their trust.
