… police uniforms, insignia, lawyer’s wig, others recovered
By Ime Silas
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man for allegedly impersonating a police officer, in what the Command described as another major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminal elements in the state.
The suspect, identified as Precious Joseph, an indigene of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and a resident of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, was intercepted on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. during a routine stop-and-search operation along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, Joseph was riding a Top Way motorcycle without a registration number when police operatives flagged him down. During questioning, the suspect introduced himself as an Inspector of Police and presented a Police Warrant Card bearing the name “Inspector Daniel.”
However, officers said his conduct and inconsistent responses aroused suspicion, prompting a more detailed search. That search yielded a second official identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, further raising concerns that the suspect was fraudulently parading himself as security personnel.
“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 statement noted.
Following the initial arrest, detectives took Joseph to his residence in Ikot Ekpene where a search warrant was executed. The operation led to the recovery of a cache of items suspected to have been used for impersonation and other unlawful activities.
Items recovered include 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 accoutrements.
The Command said the variety and nature of the recovered items suggest the suspect may have been involved in more than just impersonating police officers.
Joseph is currently in police custody and is undergoing intensive interrogation. Investigators said they are working 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.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, has reassured residents that the Command remains committed to identifying and dismantling criminal networks, particularly individuals who exploit the identities of security agencies to deceive the public or tarnish the image of the nation’s security institutions.
“The Command remains resolute in its 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,” the statement read.
The police also issued a strong warning to members of the public against purchasing, possessing, or unlawfully wearing security uniforms, insignia, identity cards, or other restricted accoutrements. The Command stressed that such acts constitute serious criminal offences and will attract the full weight of the law.
DSP John urged citizens to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious persons or activities, especially anyone falsely presenting themselves as security personnel, to the nearest police station.
“Public cooperation remains indispensable in the collective fight against crime and in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Akwa Ibom State,” the PPRO stated.
The arrest comes amid sustained efforts by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to rid the state of criminal elements and restore public confidence in security institutions. Police authorities said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion.
Residents have been encouraged to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a security operative and to demand proper identification before engaging with them, especially during stop-and-search operations.
The Command reiterated that legitimate security personnel on duty are required to be properly identified and to conduct themselves in line with established professional standards.
