The Anambra State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Maku Olatunde, has urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious when approached by individuals claiming to be Civil Defence officers. He emphasized the importance of discerning genuine officers from impostors, warning that criminals may attempt to exploit the public’s trust by impersonating security personnel. Commandant Olatunde called on residents to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the appropriate authorities, ensuring that everyone plays a part in safeguarding the community.
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the Anambra State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Maku Olatunde, delivered a stern warning against impersonation of Civil Defence officers. Speaking through Superintendent of Corps, Edwin Okadigbo, head of media and tactical operations, at the State Command Headquarters in Awka, Commandant Olatunde highlighted the dangers of falling prey to fraudsters posing as legitimate officers.
This announcement came as the command paraded a suspect accused of impersonating a Civil Defence officer to deceive, extort, and commit fraudulent acts against unsuspecting residents of Anambra State. The command urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to curb these criminal schemes.
Providing details of the arrest, Commandant Maku Olatunde recounted how the suspect was apprehended. On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at around 1:00 p.m., operatives of the NSCDC Anambra State Command, while on routine patrol, received intelligence about suspicious activities around the Aroma area in Awka. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the officers moved to the location, where they identified and apprehended the suspect.
The individual was found attempting to impersonate a Civil Defence officer, allegedly using the guise to deceive and extort unsuspecting residents. Commandant Olatunde commended the patrol team’s quick response, emphasizing the importance of such vigilance in protecting the public from fraudulent activities.
“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” he said.
Preliminary investigation reveals that Emmanuel Oche, the impersonator, used his fake Civil Defence officer status to intimidate and exploit innocent victims. Shockingly, Oche 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.
Following the arrest, Commandant Maku Olatunde directed the Investigation and Intelligence Department of the Anambra NSCDC to launch a thorough probe into the case. The team has been tasked with uncovering the source of the uniform used by the suspect, as well as determining the motives behind his impersonation as a Civil Defence officer. Commandant Olatunde emphasized that the investigation aims to dismantle any networks aiding such criminal behavior and ensure those involved face the full weight of the law. He reassured the public that the command remains committed to safeguarding residents and maintaining the integrity of the Corps.
Conclusively, Commandant Maku Olatunde further stated that once the investigation is complete, the suspect will be prosecuted in court. He reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to ensure justice is served, stressing that impersonation of security officers is a serious crime that undermines public trust and safety. The Commandant assured residents that the Corps will continue to take decisive actions against anyone attempting to exploit the uniform for fraudulent purposes.
SC OKADIGBO EDWIN
Head of Media and Tactical Ops NSCDC Anambra State
For : State Commandant
