Army Arrests Fake Major At Lagos Market

The 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja, has arrested a 36-year-old man, Animashaun Khalid, for impersonating a senior military officer and handed him over to the Lagos State Police Command.

Khalid was nabbed at the popular Arena Market in Oshodi, Lagos, with a forged Nigerian Army identity card carrying his name and the rank of ‘Major’.

Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the arrest reflected seamless cooperation between security agencies.

“The suspect was apprehended at the Arena Market, Oshodi, with a forged Nigerian Army identity card bearing his name and the rank of Major by soldiers and was immediately handed over to the Lagos State Police Command in a seamless operation, underscoring strong inter-agency collaboration,” Hundeyin said.

He added that the case has already been assigned to Special Squad I of the Command for further investigation.

“The investigation aims at tracing the source of the forgery, identifying accomplices, and determining whether the suspect used the fake identity to commit other offences. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the case would be charged to court accordingly,” he stated.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, lauded the military for its swift intervention.

“The swift arrest and prompt handover underscores the importance of synergy among security agencies in tackling crime,” he said.

CP Jimoh also urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant, saying, “We call on members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities, assuring that close collaboration between security forces would continue to enhance safety in Lagos State.”