Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected recruitment fraudster in Wukari and recovered ₦3.6 million allegedly obtained from victims under false promises of securing army enlistment slots.
The suspect, Felix Yadeh, 51, was apprehended by local vigilante members at Bantaje Village and handed over to troops at Forward Operating Base Wukari.
Preliminary investigation revealed Yadeh allegedly collected ₦3,627,000 from unsuspecting members of the public, claiming he could secure recruitment slots into the Nigerian Army.
During interrogation, he reportedly said his younger brother directed him to collect the money as purported recruitment fees.
Items recovered include one Infinix Android phone and ₦3,050 in cash. The suspect and exhibits remain in custody as investigations continue to identify other possible accomplices.
Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig. Gen. Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops and vigilante group for their vigilance and swift action.
He warned the public against falling victim to fraudsters claiming to facilitate army recruitment for money, stressing that enlistment into the Nigerian Army is free, transparent, and merit-based.
The Brigade urged residents to report suspicious individuals or recruitment scams to security agencies.
The statement was signed by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army.
