The Nigerian Navy has arrested two men suspected of impersonation and armed robbery during separate operations at a security checkpoint in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The arrests, which took place over the weekend, were disclosed by the Commanding Officer of the Onitsha Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf.
One of the suspects, identified as 37-year-old Brooms Anthony from Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was allegedly caught claiming to be a naval officer.
Yusuf said Anthony was stopped around 2am while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck loaded with household goods. During a routine inspection, officers reportedly found an identity card suggesting that he was a member of the Nigerian Navy.
However, the suspect allegedly failed to provide convincing evidence to support the claim, leading to his arrest for suspected impersonation.
In a separate incident, naval personnel arrested 36-year-old Christian Ogbole from Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State after intercepting a Suzuki minibus suspected of being used to move stolen goods.
According to Yusuf, the operation followed a report from a trader whose shop had been burgled. Security personnel later spotted the minibus approaching the checkpoint at high speed and allegedly ignored instructions to stop.
The vehicle was pursued and eventually intercepted, although other occupants reportedly fled the scene.
Recovered from the minibus were six solar batteries, a rechargeable solar fan, two solar lights, a controller, a disco light and solar cables. The stolen solar equipment was subsequently identified by the trader and returned.
Other items recovered included pry bars, mobile phones, car keys, 10 litres of petrol, assorted slippers and a power bank.
The suspects were handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu for further investigation.
The Navy said the operations form part of ongoing efforts with the police and other security agencies to curb criminal activities and improve the safety of residents across Anambra State.
