Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 22‑year‑old man for impersonating an Army soldier and a serving police constable for illegal possession of a firearm, both suspects also believed to be linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
According to a statement confirmed by Richard Balogun, Deputy Commander of ESSC Operations, the impersonator, identified as Peter Ehiotu of Benue State, was apprehended by ESSC operatives from the Oluku Sector Command in an unfinished building along Oluku Bypass in Benin City. Officers found him dressed in an Army uniform, which he was using to mislead the public and authorities. Items seized from him included the military jacket and a substance believed to be the hard drug commonly referred to as “ice,” suggesting involvement in drug‑related offences.
Balogun said Ehiotu claimed he resided at the S&T Barracks in Benin City and alleged that he obtained the uniform from an officer stationed there. Authorities have not publicly verified these claims, which form part of ongoing investigations.
In a separate incident, ESSC operatives arrested Police Constable Nelson Agbonze on February 10, 2026, along Amufi Road in Benin City. Balogun stated that the constable was found in possession of a cut‑to‑size firearm — a weapon illegally modified to evade detection and misuse — despite lacking authorization to carry arms or having completed full formal weapons training required for officers.
Balogun indicated that both the impersonator and the police constable are being investigated for possible links to kidnapping activities in Edo State. While details of specific kidnapping cases under investigation were not immediately disclosed, the ESSC stressed that both arrests stemmed from intelligence‑led operations and routine patrols aimed at enhancing public safety and foiling criminal networks.
In addition to the two principal suspects, the ESSC also reported that two other individuals were arrested in separate operations within the state on similar grounds, including illegal firearm possession and alleged involvement in theft.
Commenting on the spate of arrests, Balogun emphasised that the operations were part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and safeguard lives and property. “These arrests during our routine patrol and intelligence enforcement operations demonstrate the commitment of the Corps to internal security,” he said during an interview with reporters.
Responding to Ehiotu’s account, ESSC officials cautioned against the public’s assumption of legitimacy based on uniform alone, noting that impersonation of security personnel undermines law and order and can facilitate serious crimes, including extortion, abductions and illicit arms use.
Following the arrests, Balogun said the suspects will be handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further interrogation, forensic assessment and prosecution under applicable criminal statutes. The transfer is intended to ensure that investigators from the Nigeria Police have jurisdiction to file appropriate charges and pursue legal action through the courts.
The arrests have drawn attention to concerns about corruption, misuse of uniforms and weapons among security personnel and civilians alike. Impersonating military or police personnel is a punishable offence under Nigerian law, carrying significant custodial sentences when tied to criminal acts such as kidnapping, armed robbery or unauthorized possession of arms.
Authorities called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, underscoring that collaboration between citizens and security agencies is key to disrupting criminal operations within the state.
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