By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Security operatives in Anambra State have arrested two suspects, including a man accused of impersonating a naval officer and another allegedly linked to an armed robbery, during separate operations at Awkuzu Checkpoint in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as 37-year-old Brooms Anthony from Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and 36-year-old Christian Ogbole from Onoh Village in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, were arrested over the weekend, and were subsequently handed over to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, for further investigation.
Speaking on the arrest, the Commanding Officer, Onitsha Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, said Anthony was intercepted at about 2am while travelling in a Nissan Atlas truck, with the registration number: EPE 288 YM, from Lagos to Enugu with a load of household items.
According to the Commander, during routine security check, the suspect was found in possession of an identity card falsely claiming to be a naval personnel, which consequently resulted in his arrest for impersonation, as he could not substantiate his claim of being a naval officer.
On the other hand, the second suspect, Ogbole, was arrested after security operatives intercepted a Suzuki Mini Bus, marked RNN 573 XA, which was allegedly being used to convey stolen items.
Commander Yusuf said the operation followed a report by a trader whose shop was recently burgled, with several items reportedly taken away by unknown persons.
He explained that the Suzuki bus was later sighted approaching the Awkuzu Checkpoint at high speed but allegedly failed to stop when signalled by the operatives.
The Commander said the security personnel consequently gave chase and eventually intercepted the vehicle, leading to Ogbole’s arrest, while other occupants reportedly escaped. According to him, items recovered from the vehicle included six solar batteries, a rechargeable solar fan, two solar lights, a controller, a disco light and solar cable wires.
Commands Yusuf added that the recovered solar equipment was subsequently identified and returned to the trader who recently reported the burglary incident in the area.
While noting that other items recovered from the vehicle included two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, 10 litres of petrol, assorted rubber slippers and a power bank; Commander Yusuf said the operations formed part of the Nigerian Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies to tackle criminal activities and protect lives and property in the state.
He said the arrests demonstrated the determination of security agencies to deny criminals the opportunity to operate freely, even as he assured residents that the Navy would continue to work with the Police and other relevant agencies to improve security across Anambra.
