Troops of the Nigerian army’s operation Hadin Kai have arrested a man who claimed to be a policeman in possession of illegal ammunition.
A military source said the individual, who gave his name as Ebenezer Odeh, was intercepted at a checkpoint by troops from 154 task battalion Ngamdu, along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway on Sunday.
DY Chiwar, the commander of the battalion, was said to have ordered Odeh’s arrest after noticing suspicious movement.
“The suspect with NPF No: 456647 boarded a Borno Express bus to Abuja when they arrived at the checkpoint,” the military source said. “While the vehicle was waiting for its turn to be passed at the checking point, the suspect alighted from the bus and claimed he wanted to ease himself.
“This elicited suspicion from the commander who directed troops to search the suspect’s bag.
“On searching the bag, about 220 rounds of 7.62mm special, one hand grenade, a dagger and other items were discovered.”
When interrogated by the troops, the suspect was said to have claimed to be a member of the police special weapons tactical team (SWAT) from the mobile police force, 19 Unit, Rivers State.
Another military source said the suspect might be a fake policeman.
