Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested a man accused of impersonating a DSS operative and allegedly extorting motorists and commuters in Abuja.
The suspect, identified as Moferewa Maiye from Agbajojun Village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday night around NITEL Junction along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II.
A security source said the arrest followed intelligence indicating that Maiye had allegedly been posing as a DSS operative and using a tactical uniform and a fake firearm to intimidate motorists and commuters.
The suspect was reportedly arrested after DSS operatives traced him to his hideout.
According to the source, a DSS tactical uniform and a fake pistol were recovered from him at the point of arrest.
The source said, “He was using the uniform and the fake weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists and extort money from them.”
During interrogation, Maiye allegedly told investigators that his late brother, Monday Maiye, was a DSS personnel who died several years ago.
He reportedly claimed that the uniform and other DSS items found in his possession belonged to his deceased brother.
The source said investigators were now working to establish how Maiye obtained the Service’s uniform and other materials bearing its identity.
The investigation is also expected to determine whether the suspect had previously impersonated security personnel or carried out similar acts of extortion.
“Investigators are also trying to establish how long the suspect has been involved in similar acts of impersonation and extortion,” the source added.
Maiye remains in custody as interrogation and investigations continue.
The source said the arrest formed part of efforts by security agencies to prevent criminals from exploiting the identities, uniforms and equipment of government security organisations to intimidate members of the public and commit crimes.