…recover tactical kit, fake pistol
By Our Reporter
Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested man for allegedly impersonating a DSS officer and using a fake pistol to intimidate commuters and extort money in the heart of Abuja.
The suspect, identified as Moferewa Maiye, hails from Agbajojun Village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was apprehended at a hideout around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, following credible intelligence.
According to security sources familiar with the operation, the DSS had been monitoring reports of a man dressed in full DSS tactical uniform who was harassing motorists and pedestrians in the busy Wuse II area. The suspect was said to be brandishing what appeared to be an official sidearm and demanding money from drivers under the pretense of conducting “security checks.”
Acting on the tip, a DSS tactical team stormed the location and arrested Maiye. During the raid, operatives recovered a complete DSS tactical kit and a fake pistol from him.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect has been using the uniform and the fake weapon to create fear and collect money from unsuspecting members of the public,” a DSS source told our correspondent.
“The area around NITEL Junction is heavily trafficked, and he was taking advantage of the crowd to operate.”
In a statement during interrogation, Maiye claimed that the uniform and weapon belonged to his late elder brother, Monday Maiye, who he said served in the DSS before passing away some years ago. He alleged that he kept the items as mementos but later decided to wear them.
Some residents who spoke to our Correspondent noted that impersonation of security personnel has become a growing concern in Abuja and other major cities, with fraudsters exploiting public trust in uniformed officers to commit crimes ranging from extortion to robbery.
The DSS has warned the public to be vigilant and to demand proper identification from anyone claiming to be on official duty. Citizens have also been urged to report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation rather than comply with demands out of fear.
Impersonating a federal security officer is punishable under Nigerian law. Section 22 of the Cybercrimes Act and provisions of the Criminal Code provide for prosecution of persons who falsely present themselves as officers of government security agencies, especially when such impersonation is used to intimidate or extort.
Maiye is currently in DSS custody and is expected to be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations. The Service said it will also work to trace how the tactical uniform and replica firearm got into circulation.
Residents around Wuse II expressed relief at the arrest. “We have been seeing someone in that black uniform stopping cars lately,” said a commercial driver who asked not to be named. “People were scared to argue because of the gun. We are happy DSS has taken him.”
The DSS reiterated its commitment to sanitizing public spaces and protecting citizens from criminal elements posing as security agents. It advised Nigerians to verify the identity of any officer who stops them and to note that legitimate DSS operations are usually coordinated and do not involve random roadside extortion.
