Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army on Monday arrested a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of defrauding members of the public of over ₦3.6 million under the guise of securing recruitment slots into the Nigerian Army.
The suspect, identified as Felix Yadeh, 51, was apprehended on May 25, 2026, at Bantaje Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State by members of a local vigilante group before being handed over to troops at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, announced the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly collected ₦3,627,000 from unsuspecting victims after falsely promising to secure their enlistment into the Nigerian Army.
“During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that his younger brother directed him to collect the money from victims as recruitment fees for enlistment into the Nigerian Army,” the statement said.
Items recovered from the suspect included an Infinix Android phone and ₦3,050 cash.
The Army said the suspect and recovered items remain in custody as investigations continue to uncover other possible accomplices and determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
Commending the troops and local vigilante members for their swift action, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, warned Nigerians against falling victim to recruitment scammers.
He reiterated that recruitment into the Nigerian Army is free, transparent, and strictly merit-based, urging members of the public to report anyone involved in extortion, impersonation, or recruitment fraud to security agencies.
The brigade also reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property across Taraba State and neighbouring communities.
