The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos said it has arrested 36 suspects for impersonating the military and other related offences.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, who paraded 13 suspects before newsmen on Monday in Lagos, said 23 others have been handed to police

Represented by the Division’s Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Hamisu Hassan, the GOC, said that the frequency of impersonation had decreased since the inception of “Special Operation Check Mate” in January.

According to him, the impostors were arrested in several parts of Lagos and Ogun states while dressed in different military uniforms.

“Also arrested are suspects who aid and abet these impostors by making fake military identity cards and providing them with military accoutrements used to carry out their nefarious acts,” he said.

The GOC said some of the suspects have been deserted and dismissed in the military.

“The remaining 13 of the impostors will also be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

“It should be noted that these criminals are painting a bad image of the military as they commit these illegal acts giving the impression of being bona fide personnel,” he said.

The GOC also gave out to Lagos and Ogun residents the telephone numbers to call if any person in uniform engaged in any form of illegality.

“The numbers are 07069353889 and 08060492529 for Ojo residents, 07017064979 for Badagry residents, 08034347484 for Victoria Island residents, 08065992320 for Ikeja residents, 08069097624 for Owode residents.

“Other numbers are 08065806870 for Ikorodu residents, 07064281177 for Obalende residents, 08053862233 and 08057705135 for Abeokuta residents.

“I enjoin everyone to always report activities of persons engaging in any form of illegal activities dressed in military uniforms through the phone numbers or nearest military barracks,” he said. (NAN)

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