Troops of the Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari have apprehended a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of defrauding members of the public with fake promises of enlistment into the Nigerian Army.
The suspect, identified as Felix Yadeh, 51, was arrested by members of a local vigilante group at Bantaje Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State and later handed over to the troops.
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly collected the sum of N3.627 million from unsuspecting victims under the guise of securing recruitment slots into the Nigerian Army.
Muhammad said the suspect confessed during interrogation that his younger brother allegedly instructed him to collect money from prospective recruits as recruitment fees for enlistment into the Army.
Items recovered from the suspect included an Infinix Android mobile phone and N3,050 cash.
The Army spokesman stated that the suspect and the recovered exhibits remain in custody while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify other possible accomplices.
Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops and members of the vigilante group for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the arrest.
Akaliro reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to tackling criminality, extortion and fraudulent activities across the state.
He also warned members of the public against dealing with individuals claiming they can facilitate recruitment into the Nigerian Army in exchange for money.
The Brigade emphasized that recruitment into the Nigerian Army is free, transparent and strictly merit-based, urging residents to report suspicious persons or activities involving impersonation, extortion or recruitment scams to security agencies.
The statement added that Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring peace, security and the protection of lives and property across Taraba State and its environs.
