Akwai Ibom: Police Nab Suspected Security Impersonator With Multiple Identities, Accouterments

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

For Precious Joseph, a suspected security impersonator, many months or years of his criminal network and activities against unsuspecting publics may have appeared glorious and beneficial to him but his veil became uncovered at its appointed time.

Identified as an indigene of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State who resides in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the suspect has been parading himself in the public as a security personnel, until July 5, 2026 when luck ran out of him.

On the fateful day, he was intercepted riding a top way unregistered motorcycle by operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo.

The Command Public Relations Ifficer, DSP Timfon John, in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that his (Precious) movement during the stop-and-search duty, raised reasonable suspicion among the operatives, prompting a more thorough search.

“Upon request to establish his identity, the suspect produced a Police Warrant Card bearing one 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 personnel.

“In a follow-up operation, detectives proceeded with the suspect to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where a search warrant was executed. The search resulted in the recovery of several items, DSP John stated.

Recovered items, DSP John added, include Police beret, Police buttons and insignia, Inspector rank badges, PMF uniforms, Military camouflage sweater, Lawyer’s wig, Two pairs of desert boots; and other security-related accouterments suspected to have been used in furtherance of impersonation and other unlawful activities.

The suspect is undergoing intensive interrogation hoping to enable to determine the source of the recovered items and the full extent of his activities.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare has reassured the Command’s commitment to identifying and dismantling criminal networks, particularly individuals who exploit the identities of security agencies to perpetrate crimes, deceive unsuspecting members of the public, or bring the image of the nation’s security institutions into disrepute.

He warned members of the public against purchasing, possessing, or unlawfully wearing security uniforms, insignia, identity cards, or other restricted accouterments. Such acts constitute serious criminal offences and will attract the full weight of the law.

Citizens are also encouraged to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, activities, or anyone falsely presenting themselves as security personnel to the nearest Police Station.