Security operatives nab fake soldier, police constable with drugs, firearm in Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

A 22-year-old suspected fake soldier, Peter Ehiotu and a police constabulary, Nelson Agbonze, have been arrested by operatives of Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) at different locations in Edo State.

The army impersonator who hails from Benue State, was arrested wearing an army uniform, while the police constabulary was arrested with a gun.

The Deputy Commander of the ESSC in charge of operations, Richard Balogun, who confirmed the arrest alleged that the suspects are also suspected kidnappers.

Balogun said the fake soldier was arrested in an uncompleted building along the Oluku Bypass axis by operatives of the Oluku Sector Command.

He said items recovered from the fake Soldier include an army jacket and a substance suspected to be hard drugs, popularly known as ice.

According to Balogun, the police constabulary was arrested on February 10, 2026, along Amofi Road, off Agbor Road, Benin City.

According to him, the police constabulary who was not authorised to carry arms or undergo full weapons training was arrested in possession of a cut-to-size firearm.

He said two other suspects were arrested and detained in possession of a firearm and theft in separate operations across the State.

The Deputy Corps Commander added that the arrest was carried out during routine patrols and intelligence-driven operations.

He said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to rid communities of criminal elements and strengthen internal security.

Speaking to newsmen, the suspected fake soldier said he lives at the S&T barracks, Benin City.

He alleged that he got the army uniform he wore from an officer serving in the barracks.

Balogun said the suspects would be handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigations and prosecution.