How we arrested fake civil defence officer in Anambra – NSCDC

The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State, Commandant Maku Olatunde, has issued a warning to the public, urging them to remain vigilant and exercise caution when approached by individuals claiming to be Civil Defence officers.

Commandant Maku delivered this message on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the State Command Headquarters in Awka.

The statement, made through Superintendent of Corps Edwin Okadigbo, the command’s head of media and tactical operations, came during the parade of a suspect who was impersonating a Civil Defence officer.

The suspect had been deceiving, extorting, and committing fraudulent activities against unsuspecting citizens in Anambra State.

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The Commandant advised citizens to always verify the identity of officers to avoid falling victim to such scams, as the command intensifies efforts to curb impersonation and protect the public.

Giving a vivid account of how the suspect was arrested, Maku said;

“On Tuesday October 15, 2024 at about 1300hrs, operatives of the command on routine patrol responded to intelligence regarding the suspect’s suspicious activities around Aroma in Awka.

Acting on this information, the team swung into action and apprehended the suspect; Emmanuel Oche, male, aged 55 from Agila Town in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State dressed in an NSCDC uniform”

Preliminary investigation reveals that Emmanuel Oche, the impersonator, used his fake Civil Defence officer status to intimidate and exploit innocent victims.

When interrogated, Oche shockingly confessed to buying the NSCDC uniform from a second-hand cloth seller in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, revealing the extent of his deceitful tactics.

Consequently, the State Commandant has ordered the Investigation and Intelligence Department to conduct a discreet investigation to unravel the source of the uniform in addition to the motive behind the suspect’s impersonation of a Civil Defence officer.

Comdt. Maku further noted that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.