A man who allegedly disguised himself as a Nigerian Army soldier to terrorise and rob innocent residents in Maiduguri has been apprehended, thanks to a sharp collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The streets of Maiduguri can now breathe a little easier. Troops of the 7 Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army*, working hand-in-hand with the ever-vigilant *Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have nabbed a suspected impersonator who had been allegedly using a fake military identity to rob unsuspecting residents of the Borno State capital.
Who Is This Man and What Did He Do?
According to reports, the suspect had been parading himself as a serving soldier of the Nigerian Army — a dangerous deception that allowed him to intimidate and allegedly rob locals who, out of respect or fear for the uniform, would not dare question his authority.
It is the kind of egunje mentality taken to a criminal extreme — exploiting the trust and reverence Nigerians generally have for men and women in uniform.
How He Was Caught
The arrest was made possible through the seamless partnership between the 7 Division Garrison troops and the CJTF — the grassroots civilian security network that has been instrumental in keeping communities across the North-East safe since the height of the Boko Haram insurgency.
This collaboration once again proves that community-driven security works. When soldiers and local vigilantes put their heads together, criminal elements — no matter how cleverly disguised — have nowhere to hide.
Why This Matters for Nigerians
This arrest sends a loud and clear message: you cannot wear Nigeria’s uniform as a costume for crime.
Impersonating a military officer is not just a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law — it is a deeply shameful act that undermines the integrity of the armed forces and erodes public trust. Real soldiers are out there risking their lives daily to protect communities in the North-East and beyond. Fraudsters like this suspect do a disservice to every genuine serviceman and woman.
For residents of Maiduguri — a city that has seen more than its fair share of hardship — this arrest is a small but significant win.
A Word to the Public
If you ever suspect someone is falsely claiming to be a member of the Nigerian Army or any other security force, do not confront them directly. Instead:
– Report immediately to the nearest military base or police station
– Contact the CJTF in your local area
– Call the Nigerian Army’s official hotlines or reach out via their verified social media handles
The suspect is currently in custody and will face prosecution. As they say in Naija — “Every day is for the thief, but one day na for the owner.” That day came for this fake soldier.
Stay informed. Stay safe. And remember — always verify before you comply.
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