The Nigerian Army (NA) has arrested a serving soldier, Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, over allegation of large-scale fraud involving about N114 million.

The soldier was also detained over false claims linked to the killing of a notorious kidnap suspect, Obioma Nwankwo, also known as “Osisikankwu.”

According to military sources, the soldier, said to be attached to the Army Engineers Corps in Lagos, was arrested at the Port Harcourt International Airport while allegedly attempting to travel to Abuja. His arrest followed an ongoing investigation into claims of impersonation and financial fraud.

The security sources said that the operation that led to the soldier’s arrest was carried out by troops from the 14 Brigade and the 6 Division Provost units after intelligence reports connected him to several fraudulent activities.

Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly misled officials of the Abia State Government by presenting himself as one of the key operatives involved in the 2010 operation that led to the death of the wanted gang leader, “Osisikankwu.”

The claim reportedly earned him recognition and promises of assistance, including medical support.

Investigators further alleged that the soldier was already under scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over separate fraud-related complaints involving individuals and organisations.

Sources familiar with the investigation claimed that he (Nwankwo) allegedly collected about N100 million from a company, obtained another N6 million from a private individual under false pretences, and also received about N8 million from a group of persons before he went into hiding.

Military insiders also said that the suspect allegedly intensified his activities after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident in Lagos, which he reportedly used as justification to seek financial help from different people.

However, records reviewed by the military reportedly showed that the soldier was not part of the 2010 operation in Abia State. Officers, who participated in the mission maintained that the exercise was led by then Major Timothy Oparon under the command of Brig.-Gen. Andrew

Audu, and involved a team of 26 soldiers deployed to track the gang leader in the forest.

The operation reportedly ended with the killing of the suspect, the rescue of several kidnapped victims, and the recovery of weapons.

Further checks by military authorities also indicated that the detained soldier was never deployed to Maiduguri or any North-East theatre of operation, contrary to claims he allegedly made while seeking assistance, including statements that he was injured during operations against Boko Haram terrorists.

A source within the North-East operational command said the soldier had no record of frontline deployment, describing the alleged claims as fabricated and capable of undermining the sacrifices of personnel who actually took part in such missions.

Military authorities said arrangements were being made to move the suspect to Lagos for further investigation and possible disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the need for proper verification of claims made by individuals seeking official recognition, compensation, or support based on security operations. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)

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