NSCDC Kwara Cracks Down on Fraud Syndicate, Arrests Suspected Fake Soldier Over POS Scam and Impersonation
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has recorded another major breakthrough in its fight against criminal activities with the arrest of a suspected fraudster accused of impersonating a military officer and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through fake electronic transaction alerts.
The arrest was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Command's Public Relations Officer, ASC I Ayoola Michael Shola, who disclosed that the suspect, identified as Akinola Tosin, was apprehended following a complaint received from a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator in Ilorin.
According to the statement, the suspect allegedly obtained cash from the POS operator after presenting what appeared to be a successful bank transfer notification. However, subsequent verification revealed that the transaction alert was fraudulent and no payment had been received.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Corps indicated that the suspect allegedly used the fake transfer alert to obtain ₦40,600 from the victim under false pretences.
Further investigation by NSCDC operatives uncovered a more disturbing dimension to the case, revealing that the suspect had allegedly been parading himself as a member of the Nigerian Army using a counterfeit military identity card and other military-related items.
The Command disclosed that the suspect allegedly used the fake military identity and paraphernalia to gain public confidence and facilitate his fraudulent operations.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly made useful statements linking him to similar fraudulent activities involving multiple victims. Investigators also identified another suspect, Feranmi Idoko Godwin, who is currently at large and being actively tracked by security operatives.
Items recovered from the suspect include:
- Two Opay ATM Cards
- Two UBA ATM Cards
- Two First Bank ATM Cards
- One PalmPay ATM Card
- One National Identity Card
- Suspected military-related materials used for impersonation
The NSCDC Kwara State Command assured members of the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend all persons connected with the alleged criminal network and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
Reacting to the development, the State Commandant, Commandant Abbas Ndah Mohammed, reaffirmed the Corps' commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and economic activities across the state.
The Commandant urged residents, business owners, and POS operators to exercise caution by verifying all electronic transactions before releasing cash, goods, or valuables to customers.
He further emphasized that the Command remains resolute in its determination to combat fraud, impersonation, cyber-enabled crimes, and other forms of criminality capable of undermining public trust and security.
The suspect is expected to be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations in accordance with relevant provisions of the law.
Signed:
ASC I Ayoola Michael Shola
Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Kwara State Command
For: Commandant Abbas Ndah Mohammed
State Commandant, NSCDC Kwara State Command
