By Nkechi Eze
The Headquarters of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army has recorded another operational breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across Taraba State, following the arrest of a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public with fake promises of enlistment into the Nigerian Army.
According to an official signed statement by Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari took custody of the suspect, Mr. Felix Yadeh, a 51-year-old man apprehended by vigilant members of a local vigilante group at Bantaje Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The statement disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly collected the sum of Three Million, Six Hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand Naira (₦3,627,000) from unsuspecting victims under the false pretense of securing recruitment slots into the Nigerian Army.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that his younger brother instructed him to collect the money from victims as alleged recruitment fees for enlistment into the Nigerian Army.
Items recovered from the suspect included one Infinix Android mobile phone and the sum of Three Thousand and Fifty Naira (₦3,050) cash.
The statement further noted that the suspect and recovered exhibits remain in custody pending further investigation aimed at uncovering the full scope of the alleged fraud and identifying possible accomplices connected to the scheme.
The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops and members of the local vigilante group for their vigilance, professionalism, and swift response which led to the successful arrest of the suspect.
Brigadier General Akaliro reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to sanitizing the operational environment and protecting citizens from criminal exploitation, while warning members of the public against dealing with fraudsters claiming to facilitate recruitment into the Nigerian Army in exchange for money.
He emphasized that recruitment into the Nigerian Army remains free, transparent, and strictly merit-based, urging the public to promptly report suspicious individuals or activities involving extortion, impersonation, and recruitment scams to relevant security agencies.
The Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace, security, and the protection of lives and property across Taraba State and its environs.
