The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspects, including an alleged fake naval officer and a suspected robbery suspect, during separate security operations in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The arrests were carried out at a naval checkpoint as personnel intensified security operations aimed at curbing criminal activities in the area.
The Commanding Officer of the Onitsha Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, identified the suspects 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.
Yusuf said the suspects were arrested over the weekend and later handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu for further investigation.
According to Yusuf, Anthony was intercepted around 2am while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck loaded with household items.
During a routine security check, naval personnel reportedly discovered an identity card allegedly identifying Anthony as a naval officer.
The suspect was questioned about his claimed affiliation with the Nigerian Navy but was reportedly unable to provide satisfactory evidence that he was a serving officer.
He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of impersonating a naval officer.
In a separate operation, naval personnel arrested Ogbole after intercepting a Suzuki minibus allegedly being used to transport stolen property.
Yusuf said the operation followed a complaint from a trader whose shop had recently been burgled and several valuable items stolen.
According to the naval commander, the vehicle was later spotted approaching the Awkuzu checkpoint at high speed.
The driver allegedly failed to stop after security personnel signalled the vehicle, prompting the officers to pursue and intercept it.
Ogbole was arrested, while other occupants of the vehicle reportedly escaped.
Items allegedly recovered from the minibus included six solar batteries, a rechargeable solar fan, two solar lights, a controller, a disco light and solar cable wires.
The naval commander said the recovered solar equipment was subsequently identified by the trader who reported the burglary and returned to him.
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Other items recovered during the operation included two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, 10 litres of petrol, assorted rubber slippers and a power bank.
Yusuf said both suspects were handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu for further investigation.
He said the arrests formed part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to prevent criminal activities and protect lives and property across Anambra State.
The commander assured residents that the Navy would continue collaborating with the Police and other relevant agencies to strengthen security operations in the state.
He said the latest arrests demonstrated the determination of security agencies to prevent criminals from freely operating within the state.
