Army foils alleged recruitment scam, recovers cash, mobile phone in Taraba
Army Brigade Enhances Anti-Crime Efforts in Taraba, Arrests Suspected Fraudster
The Headquarters 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has stepped up its operations against criminal activities in Taraba State. In a recent success, the brigade apprehended a man suspected of orchestrating a recruitment fraud scheme.
The suspect, identified as Felix Yadeh, 51, was captured by local vigilantes in Bantaje Village, within the Wukari Local Government Area, before being handed over to troops from the 6 Brigade stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Yadeh allegedly defrauded unsuspecting individuals out of 3,627,000 Nigerian Naira by promising them recruitment positions in the Nigerian Army. During questioning, he reportedly admitted that he had been instructed by his younger brother to collect the money as fees for alleged enlistment.
Authorities recovered an Infinix Android mobile phone and 3,050 Naira in cash from Yadeh. He, along with the recovered items, is now in military custody as investigations continue to explore the full extent of the fraud and identify any potential accomplices.
Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, praised the vigilance of the troops and vigilante members for their role in the arrest. He emphasized the brigade’s ongoing commitment to improving security in the region and cautioned the public against schemes that promise recruitment into the army for a fee.
The 6 Brigade reiterated that recruitment into the Nigerian Army is entirely free, transparent, and based on merit. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to extortion or impersonation to the appropriate authorities.
This operation aligns with directives from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuibu, aimed at curbing criminal behaviors, including extortion and fraud, throughout the country. The Nigerian Army remains dedicated to ensuring peace, security, and the protection of lives and property in Taraba State and its vicinity.
