Police recover security uniforms, others from fake Inspector

By Isaiah Eka

Police operatives have arrested a suspect posing as an inspector during a routine stop-and-search operation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who announced this in a statement in Uyo on Tuesday said the suspect was intercepted on Sunday at about 2:30 p.m. while riding on a Top Way motorcycle without registration number along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo.

According to her, on interrogation, the suspect introduced himself as an Inspector of Police, residing in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.

She added that when the suspect was asked to establish his identity, he produced a Police Warrant Card bearing one Inspector Daniel.

John said the conduct and responses of the suspect raised reasonable suspicion among the operatives, prompting a more thorough search.

She said the search led to the recovery of another official identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, further strengthening the suspicion that the suspect was fraudulently parading himself as security operative.

According to her, in a follow-up operation, detectives proceeded with the suspect to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where a search warrant was executed.

The police spokesperson added that the search resulted in the recovery of several items, including; police beret, police buttons and insignia, inspector rank badges and PMF uniforms.

Other items recovered during the search according to the statement were; military camouflage sweater, lawyer’s wig, two pairs of desert boots and other security-related accoutrement.

The PPRO said the suspect was undergoing intensive interrogation as investigators work to determine the source of the recovered items, establish the full extent of his activities and identify possible accomplices.

She warned members of the public against purchasing, possessing or unlawfully wearing security uniforms, insignia, identity cards or other restricted accoutrements, stressing that such acts constitute serious criminal offences.

“Citizens are encouraged to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, activities, or anyone falsely presenting themselves as security personnel to the nearest Police Station,” she said.

(NAN)