Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion arrested 14 people on June 5 who were posing as Nigeria Forest Guard officials and making illegal arrests across Abuja's Mpape area.
Soldiers on routine patrol in the Bwari Area Council spotted the group at about 5:20 p.m. conducting what appeared to be arrest operations. The suspects claimed to represent the Nigeria Forest Guard, but their activities raised red flags with the troops, who stopped them for questioning.
A search turned up a round of 9mm ammunition and other items. Soldiers have not yet disclosed what those other items were or provided details about what the suspects claimed they were arresting people for. The group's stated affiliation with the Nigeria Forest Guard remains unverified.
The 14 are now in military custody. The Nigerian Army says they will face further interrogation and possible legal proceedings, though it has not specified what charges might be laid against them or a timeline for completing the investigation.
The arrest highlights a broader problem. Security agencies have repeatedly warned Nigerians to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to work for government security bodies. Impersonation of officials has become common enough in the FCT that the military felt compelled to remind the public to be vigilant.
The 7 Guards Battalion will continue patrols in the area. The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out impersonators and criminals across the FCT.
