Police Detain Inspector Over Possession Of Assorted Security Uniforms In A’Ibom

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

UYO, NIGERIA – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected police impersonator and recovered a cache of security uniforms, insignia, and other accoutrements belonging to various security agencies, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough against criminal impersonation.

The suspect, who identified himself as an indigene of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was apprehended along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo during a routine stop-and-search operation while riding a motorcycle without a registration number.

Confirming the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, said officers became suspicious during the routine check, leading to the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of several items believed to have been used for impersonation and other unlawful activities.

Items recovered from the suspect include a police beret, 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 several other security-related accoutrements.

The police said the recovered items are suspected to have been used to falsely present the suspect as a legitimate security operative, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the materials, establish possible accomplices, and uncover any criminal activities linked to the suspect.

The Command reiterated its commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.

The statement read in part: “On Sunday, July 5, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., operatives of the Command, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo, intercepted a motorcyclist riding a Top Way motorcycle without a registration number.

“The rider, later identified as Precious Joseph, an indigene of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State who resides in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, introduced himself as an Inspector of Police.

“Upon request to establish his identity, the suspect produced a police warrant card bearing the name Inspector Daniel.

“His conduct and responses, however, raised reasonable suspicion among the operatives, prompting a more thorough search.

“The search led to the recovery of another official identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, further strengthening the suspicion that the suspect was fraudulently parading himself as a security operative.”

John disclosed that the suspect later led detectives to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where additional items were recovered during the execution of a search warrant.

He said the search yielded a police beret, police buttons and insignia, inspector rank badges, PMF uniforms, a military camouflage sweater, a lawyer’s wig, two pairs of desert boots, and other security-related items suspected to have been used in furtherance of impersonation and other criminal activities.

According to him, the suspect is currently in police custody and undergoing intensive interrogation as investigators work to determine the source of the recovered items, establish the full extent of his activities, identify possible accomplices, and ascertain whether he is linked to other criminal offences within or outside Akwa Ibom State.

John said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, assured residents that the command remains committed to identifying and dismantling criminal networks and individuals who exploit the identities of security agencies to perpetrate crimes, deceive unsuspecting members of the public, and bring the nation’s security institutions into disrepute.

He also warned members of the public against purchasing, possessing, or unlawfully wearing security uniforms, insignia, identity cards, or other restricted accoutrements, stressing that such acts constitute serious criminal offences punishable under the law.