The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man accused of posing as one of its operatives and allegedly using a fake pistol to extort motorists and commuters in Abuja.
The suspect, identified as Moferewa Maiye, was reportedly arrested late Wednesday around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, following intelligence received by DSS operatives.
Maiye was allegedly caught wearing a DSS tactical uniform and carrying a toy pistol during the operation.
A security source said the suspect had been using the uniform and fake weapon to intimidate motorists and commuters before allegedly collecting money from them.
During interrogation, Maiye reportedly claimed to be from Agbajojun Village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He allegedly told investigators that his late brother, identified as Monday Maiye, was a DSS operative who died several years ago.
According to the source, the suspect claimed the DSS uniform and other tactical items recovered from him belonged to his deceased brother.
Investigators are now probing how long Maiye had allegedly been operating under the false identity and whether he had carried out similar acts of extortion in the past.
He remains in DSS custody while investigators work to establish how he obtained the Service’s uniform and other tactical equipment.
The arrest has also raised fresh concerns over the activities of criminals who allegedly disguise themselves as security personnel to intimidate unsuspecting members of the public and commit offences.
The DSS said the operation underscored its determination to tackle the impersonation of security personnel and the criminal use of security uniforms and equipment.
