Police in Rivers say they have intercepted and arrested two fake soldiers allegedly involved in a robbery operation within new Port Harcourt GRA on Wednesday.
Rivers police spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni, said in a statement that the Anti-Crime Patrol Team of the Abacha Police Station, while on routine patrol, intercepted the robbers dressed in army uniform operating in a Honda Element car.
He named the suspects as Chibudo Ugwuala, 31, from Abia and Godwin Ekpuno, 23, from Akwa-Ibom.
“On interrogation, they could not give satisfactory account of how they came by the car and the military camouflage found on them,” Mr Omoni said.
“They had military ranks of brigadier general and colonel, which they have been using to intimidate people and commit crimes.
“Further probe revealed that the duo are persons with disabilities, one dumb and the other limping but thrive in criminal activities.”
Omoni added that the same operatives also arrested a 26-year-old man, Baredose Taabaa, from Khana Local Government Area of Rivers allegedly involved in snatching handsets.
“His criminal gang specialises in snatching handsets from unsuspecting persons along the Ikwerre Road area of Port Harcourt,” he said.
Omoni revealed that Mr Taabaa was arrested shortly after he snatched a Samsung phone from its owner at the Agip Flyover.
“The handset was immediately recovered and the owner identified it to be his,” he said.
“All suspects arrested are helping us in our investigation and will be charged to court as soon as our investigation is completed.”
