Army arrests man over N3.6m recruitment scam in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a man accused of running a recruitment scam that defrauded the public of more than ₦3.6 million.

The suspect, identified as Felix Yadeh, 51, was arrested in Bantaje Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. He was initially apprehended by a local vigilante group before being handed over to troops. According to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, preliminary investigations indicate Yadeh collected ₦3,627,000 from unsuspecting individuals.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained the sum of Three Million, Six Hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand Naira (₦3,627,000) from unsuspecting members of the public under the false pretense of securing recruitment slots into the Nigerian Army.

During interrogation, Yadeh reportedly confessed that his younger brother had instructed him to collect the money, claiming it was for securing recruitment into the Nigerian Army. Items recovered from the suspect include an Infinix mobile phone and ₦3,050 in cash. The army stated that Yadeh and the recovered items are in custody pending further investigation into potential accomplices and the full scope of the alleged fraud.

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During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that his younger brother allegedly directed him to collect the money from victims as purported recruitment fees for enlistment into the Nigerian Army.

Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the vigilance of the troops and local vigilante members. He issued a stern warning to the public against falling prey to recruitment scammers, emphasizing that enlistment into the Nigerian Army is free, transparent, and merit-based. Residents are urged to report any suspicious individuals involved in extortion or impersonation to security agencies.

The 6 Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of lives and property within Taraba State and surrounding areas.

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recruitment into the Nigerian Army is free, transparent, and merit-based, urging residents to report suspicious individuals involved in extortion, impersonation, or recruitment fraud to security agencies.