 in Anambra State has arrested five men allegedly operating as fake private){kind=link}
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has arrested five men allegedly operating as fake private security guards in Awka and recovered a pump-action rifle from them during a coordinated crackdown.
The suspects were apprehended following a sting operation carried out by the Corps’ Private Guard Companies Department across several hotels and grocery stores within the state capital.
The arrests, which took place on Tuesday morning, were based on what officials described as “credible intelligence” linking the suspects to planned disruptions ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
Speaking while parading the suspects at the NSCDC headquarters in Awka, the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the operation was part of broader efforts to weed out criminal impostors posing as private security operatives.
“These individuals were found wearing uniforms similar to those of recognised security outfits. Our investigation suggests they were hired by political elements to instigate unrest before the elections,” Olatunde explained.
He identified the arrested suspects as Mmeka Ekene (43), Peter Detuchi Kelvin (28), Sunday Akpan Idiong (45), Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu (26), and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu (28).
According to Olatunde, the operation was designed to dismantle networks of illegal security operatives and prevent the infiltration of armed groups capable of threatening peace during the polls.
“Our goal is to ensure that no criminal gang, political thug, or irredentist finds room to destabilise Anambra. The command remains fully committed to securing the state before, during, and after the election,” he stated.
The NSCDC chief further assured residents that the agency, in collaboration with other security agencies, would maintain heightened surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations to detect and neutralise any emerging threats.
“We will not allow anyone to exploit the electoral process under the guise of private security. Those arrested will face prosecution once investigations are concluded,” Olatunde added.
Meanwhile, security analysts have commended the NSCDC for its proactive response, urging political parties to avoid using unlicensed guards or armed escorts during campaigns.
The incident adds to previous reports of fake operatives being nabbed in other states. In 2020, two men were arrested in Lagos for posing as security agents, a reminder of the ongoing challenge of impostors undermining public safety.