Dismissed Soldiers Arrested for Impersonation in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two dismissed soldiers accused of impersonating Nigerian Army personnel and intimidating residents in Ibadan, the state capital.

The suspects were also found in possession of multiple vehicles and a motorcycle believed to have been used during their operations.

The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the dismissed soldiers arrested in Ibadan were identified as David Okhaie and Balogun Afolabi. Both men allegedly posed as serving officers of the Nigerian Army while robbing unsuspecting members of the public.

Ayanlade disclosed that the suspects confessed to the crimes during interrogation.

Recovered items from the operation include:

• One Toyota Camry, black, with registration number KRD 253 KC
• One Toyota Corolla, metallic color, with registration number JTA 938 AA
• One Lexus RX 350, silver, unregistered
• One Super Cargo motorcycle, black, with registration number YRE 487 VD

Further details revealed that David Okhaie, 48, of the Ojoo area of Ibadan, is a dismissed corporal who allegedly paraded himself as an Army Captain. Balogun Afolabi, 43, from the Wakajaiye area of Ibadan, is also a dismissed corporal of the Nigerian Army.

Police authorities stated that the suspects had previously carried out several illegal operations within Ibadan, using their false identities to intimidate victims and gain access to valuables.

The Oyo State Police Command emphasized that investigations are ongoing and reiterated its commitment to cracking down on impersonation and criminal activities that threaten public safety.

Residents were encouraged to verify the identity of security operatives and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement agencies promptly.