The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspects, including a man accused of impersonating a naval officer and another suspected of involvement in an armed robbery, during separate operations at the Awkuzu Checkpoint in Anambra State.
The arrests were carried out on September 5 by personnel of the Naval Outpost, Onitsha. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, alongside the vehicles and other items recovered during the operations, for further investigation.
One of the suspects, identified as 37-year-old Brooms Anthony from Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was intercepted at about 2 a.m. while travelling from Lagos towards Enugu in a Nissan Atlas truck loaded with household items. According to the Commanding Officer of the Naval Outpost, Commander Kabir Yusuf, a security check allegedly uncovered an identity card falsely presenting Anthony as a naval personnel.
The second suspect, 36-year-old Christian Ogbole from Onoh Village in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was arrested separately after naval personnel intercepted a Suzuki minibus allegedly carrying stolen property.
Commander Yusuf said the operation followed a report from a trader whose shop had been burgled and several items stolen. According to him, operatives later noticed the minibus approaching the Awkuzu checkpoint at high speed. The driver allegedly ignored signals to stop, prompting a pursuit that ended with the vehicle being intercepted and Ogbole arrested, while other occupants reportedly escaped.
The Navy said the search of the vehicle led to the recovery of six solar batteries, a rechargeable solar fan, two solar lights, a controller, a disco light and solar cable wires. The recovered solar equipment was subsequently identified as belonging to the trader who had reported the burglary and was returned to the owner.
Other items recovered included two pry bars, three mobile phones, four car keys, a 10-litre container of petrol, assorted rubber slippers and a power bank. The presence of these items formed part of the evidence being examined as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery and determine the roles of those who fled the scene.
The Navy said the arrests demonstrate its continued collaboration with the Police and other security agencies in tackling criminal activities and protecting lives and property in Anambra. The suspects and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, while efforts are ongoing to locate the other occupants who escaped during the interception.
The allegations against the two men have not yet been tested in court. Anthony remains a suspect in an alleged impersonation offence, while Ogbole is being investigated in connection with an alleged armed robbery. Their eventual culpability will depend on the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
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