The Niger State Police Command has detained a dismissed soldier for alleged impersonation and fraud involving multiple Point of Sale (POS) operators across the state.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the command's Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect, identified as Michael Musa of Mandela Road, Minna, was arrested following complaints from three victims who were defrauded of substantial amounts.

Pattern of Deception

The police investigation revealed that on May 12, around 10:00 am, the suspect, dressed in military attire, visited a POS shop near Musa Bello Primary School in Bida, where he allegedly deceived the operator and collected N120,000 before fleeing the scene.

In a similar incident on May 23, the same suspect, again wearing military camouflage, targeted another POS attendant in Kataeregi, successfully making away with N300,000.

The suspect's fraudulent activities continued on May 29, when he allegedly defrauded a POS operator along Mandela Road of N500,000, bringing the total amount stolen to N920,000.

Arrest and Investigation

SP Abiodun explained that police detectives, with the aid of technical intelligence, apprehended the suspect who was still wearing a military uniform at the time of arrest.

"During interrogation, the suspect confessed to these incidents and claimed he was dismissed from the military in 2022 in Benin, Edo State," the police spokesperson stated.

The case was initially referred to the Tudun-Wada Police Division on May 27 from a magistrate court for further investigation.

According to the police statement, the investigation is ongoing, and more victims have been coming forward with similar complaints against the suspect.

The Niger State Police Command has not yet announced when the suspect will appear in court, but he remains in custody as investigations continue.