Dismissed Soldier Nabbed in Niger State for Allegedly Defrauding POS Operators While Posing as Army Personnel
A dismissed soldier impersonating military personnel has been arrested in Niger State after defrauding multiple POS operators across Bida, Kataeregi, and Minna, carting away nearly ₦1 million.
Identified as Michael Musa, the suspect confessed to the crimes after police tracked him down in military gear. Authorities urge vigilance as more victims continue to emerge.
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of a dismissed military officer who was allegedly impersonating a soldier to carry out fraudulent activities across various locations in the state. According to a statement released on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect is now in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.
SP Abiodun revealed that the case was initially referred to the Tudun-Wada Police Division for a full investigation after being brought forward by a magistrate court. The complaint was filed by three victims, all of whom operate Point of Sale (POS) businesses and had suffered significant financial losses at the hands of the impersonator.
Investigations showed that the first incident occurred on May 12, around 10 a.m., when the suspect, dressed in military camouflage, visited a POS outlet located near Musa Bello Primary School in Bida. He allegedly tricked the operator into handing over ₦120,000 and subsequently fled the scene.
The second reported fraud happened on May 23 at about 9:30 a.m., in Kataeregi. Again, the suspect showed up in military attire, deceived the POS agent into giving him ₦300,000, and disappeared without a trace.
The third and most recent case took place on May 29 at approximately 4 p.m., along Mandela Road. The suspect reportedly employed the same tactic, this time carting away ₦500,000 from an unsuspecting POS attendant.
With mounting complaints and support from technical intelligence, police detectives launched a targeted operation that led to the arrest of the suspect. He was apprehended at his residence along Mandela Road in Minna, still clad in military uniform.
During interrogation, the man, identified as Michael Musa, admitted to all the allegations leveled against him. He confessed that he was a former soldier who had been officially dismissed from the Nigerian Army in 2022 while serving in Benin, Edo State.
SP Abiodun added that the investigation is ongoing and noted that more victims have come forward with similar complaints since the suspect’s arrest. Authorities are working to determine the full extent of his activities and identify any possible accomplices.
The Niger State Police Command has urged members of the public, especially POS operators, to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or incidents to the nearest police station promptly.
