Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected recruitment scammer accused of collecting millions of naira from unsuspecting Nigerians with false promises of securing enlistment into the military.
The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Felix Yadeh, was apprehended in Bantaje Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, following a joint effort involving local vigilante members and military personnel.
According to the Nigerian Army, the suspect was initially arrested by vigilantes in the community before being handed over to troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Yadeh allegedly collected a total of N3,627,000 from several victims after claiming he could facilitate their recruitment into the Nigerian Army.
Military sources disclosed that the suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation, stating that his younger brother instructed him to collect the money on behalf of individuals seeking recruitment slots into the Army.
Security operatives recovered an Infinix Android phone and N3,050 cash from the suspect at the time of his arrest.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that the suspect and all recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue to uncover other possible accomplices linked to the alleged fraud scheme.
Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, praised both the troops and the vigilante members for their swift response and vigilance.
Akaliro warned Nigerians against paying money to individuals claiming they can influence recruitment into the Nigerian Army, stressing that the enlistment process remains free, transparent and strictly based on merit.
The Brigade also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities involving recruitment scams, impersonation and extortion to relevant security agencies.
According to the military, the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuibu, aimed at tackling criminality and fraudulent activities across the country.
