THE Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for impersonating a personnel of the Service, following an intelligence-led operation in the Federal Capital Territory.
The suspect was tracked and apprehended late on Wednesday in his hideout around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja. At the time of his arrest, Maiye was clad in a DSS tactical uniform and armed with a counterfeit pistol.
According to a security source close to the investigation, the secret police acted on credible intelligence that Maiye had been using the uniform and replica weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists, extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public.
During interrogation, the suspect, who claims to hail from Agbajojun Village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, reportedly told investigators that his brother, one Monday Maiye, was a former DSS personnel who passed away years ago. He alleged that the tactical kit in his possession had belonged to his late sibling.
Security operatives are, however, treating the claim with scepticism. The source confirmed that the suspect is currently being grilled, with investigators working to establish the precise means by which he obtained the uniform and kit.
“The Service is also trying to ascertain how long the suspect has been involved in such acts of impersonation and extortion,” the source added.
The arrest has underscored growing unease within the DSS over the rising incidence of individuals posing as security personnel to commit criminal acts. A statement from the Service emphasised its determination to clamp down on such activities, warning that impersonation of security operatives would be met with the full force of the law.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities expected to arraign the suspect once inquiries are concluded.
