The Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to combat criminal activities in Taraba state, recording another operational success with the arrest of a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of defrauding unsuspecting citizens.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Felix Yadeh, 51, was apprehended by members of a local vigilante group at Bantaje Village in Wukari Local Government Area before being handed over to troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect allegedly collected a total of N3,627,000 from members of the public under the false promise of securing recruitment slots into the Nigerian Army.
Military sources disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed that his younger brother allegedly instructed him to collect the money from victims as recruitment fees for enlistment into the Nigerian Army.
Items recovered from the suspect include an Infinix Android mobile phone and the sum of N3,050 in cash.
The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody as investigations continue to uncover the full scope of the alleged fraud and identify possible accomplices.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops and members of the vigilante group for their vigilance and swift action leading to the arrest.
He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to sanitizing the operational environment and warned members of the public against falling prey to 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. It also urged citizens to report suspicious persons or activities linked to extortion, impersonation, or recruitment scams to security agencies.
The operation, according to the military, aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuibu, aimed at eliminating criminality, extortion, and fraudulent activities across the country.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace, security, and the protection of lives and property across Taraba State and surrounding areas.
Army foils alleged recruitment scam, recovers cash, mobile phone in Taraba
