The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of impersonating a police officer and recovered a cache of security uniforms and official accoutrements during a follow-up search of his residence.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Timfon John, the suspect was apprehended during a routine stop-and-search operation in Uyo on Sunday at about 2:30 p.m.
The suspect was intercepted while riding an unregistered Top Way motorcycle along Atiku Abubakar Way. During questioning, he identified himself as a Police Inspector residing in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and presented a police warrant card bearing the name “Inspector Daniel.”
However, officers became suspicious after observing inconsistencies in his conduct and responses. A more detailed search led to the discovery of an official identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, raising further concerns that the suspect was unlawfully impersonating security personnel.
Detectives subsequently accompanied the suspect to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where a court-authorized search was conducted. During the operation, officers recovered several security-related items, including police berets, police buttons and insignia, inspector rank badges, Police Mobile Force (PMF) uniforms, a military camouflage sweater, a lawyer’s wig, two pairs of desert boots, and other security accoutrements.
The police said the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing intensive interrogation as investigators seek to determine the source of the recovered items, establish the full scope of his activities, and identify any possible accomplices.
The command warned the public against purchasing, possessing, or unlawfully wearing security uniforms, insignia, identity cards, or other restricted items, emphasizing that such actions constitute serious criminal offences under Nigerian law.
The Police Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or anyone falsely presenting themselves as security personnel to the nearest police station.