The Naval Outpost, Onitsha, has arrested two suspects, including an alleged naval impersonator and a suspected armed robber, during separate operations at the Awkuzu Checkpoint in Anambra State.
The suspects have been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, for further investigation and necessary action.
One of the suspects, 37-year-old Brooms Anthony from Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested for allegedly impersonating a naval personnel and possessing a fake identity card.
The second suspect, 36-year-old Christian Ogbole from Onoh Village in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery.
Briefing journalists, the Commanding Officer, Naval Outpost Onitsha, Commander Kabir Yusuf, said Anthony was intercepted at about 2:00 a.m. while travelling from Lagos to Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck with registration number EPE 288 YM, loaded with household items.
According to him, the arrest followed a report by a trader whose shop had allegedly been burgled, with several items stolen by unknown persons.
Commander Yusuf said a Suzuki mini bus with registration number RNN 573 XA was later sighted approaching the Awkuzu Checkpoint at high speed.
He explained that security operatives gave chase after the vehicle allegedly failed to stop when flagged down.
The pursuit eventually led to the interception of the vehicle and the arrest of Ogbole, while other occupants reportedly escaped and are still at large.
Items recovered from the suspected robbery vehicle included six solar batteries, one rechargeable solar fan, two solar lights, one controller, one disco light and solar cable wires.
The recovered items, which were identified as stolen property, have since been handed over to their owner.
Other exhibits recovered from the vehicle included two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, 10 litres of petrol, assorted rubber slippers and one power bank.
Commander Yusuf said the arrests were part of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to support other security agencies in tackling criminal activities and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
He said the operation demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to combating crime and ensuring that criminals have no safe haven to operate.
The Naval Outpost Onitsha commander assured residents that the Navy would continue to collaborate with the Police and other security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.
The two suspects, the Suzuki mini bus and other exhibits have been handed over to the RRS, Awkuzu, for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
