Army Busts Fake Recruitment Scam, Arrests Man Over ₦3.6 Million Fraud

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Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army have apprehended a suspected fraudster accused of swindling members of the public out of more than ₦3.6 million by falsely promising them recruitment slots into the Nigerian Army.

The suspect, Felix Yadeh, 51, was caught at Bantaje Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State by members of a local vigilante group, who subsequently handed him over to troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad.

According to preliminary investigations, Yadeh allegedly collected a total of ₦3,627,000 from unsuspecting victims under the false pretense of facilitating their enlistment into the army.

During interrogation, he reportedly admitted that his younger brother had instructed him to collect the money from victims as supposed recruitment fees.

Items recovered from the suspect included an Infinix Android phone and ₦3,050 in cash.

Both the suspect and the recovered items remain in custody as investigations continue, with authorities working to identify any additional accomplices and establish the full scale of the alleged fraud.

The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops and vigilante members for their alertness.

He cautioned the public against falling prey to recruitment scammers, emphasising that enlistment into the Nigerian Army is entirely free, merit-based, and conducted transparently.

He urged residents to report anyone suspected of extortion, impersonation, or recruitment fraud to the relevant security agencies.

The brigade reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminal activity and safeguarding lives and property across Taraba State and surrounding areas.