Lagos: A 27-year-old man, Yusuf Abdullahi, has been apprehended for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Air Force officer and defrauding traders across multiple Lagos markets over the past three years.
According to authorities, Abdullahi would wear military camouflage to appear authentic and gain the confidence of unsuspecting traders.
He reportedly collected goods while presenting fake bank transfer confirmations as payment.
The scheme was uncovered on February 18, 2026, at Ladipo Market, when traders became suspicious of a man in military uniform who had allegedly taken items without paying.
The suspect was initially held by market traders before being handed over to the Ladipo Police Division.
Commander Patricia Ochei, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), confirmed the arrest. She stated that Abdullahi claimed to be attached to 055 Camp in Lagos, prompting military police involvement.
Subsequent checks revealed that he was neither a serving nor a former member of the Nigerian Air Force.
“He deliberately exploited the image of the military to deceive the public. This tactic formed the core of his criminal activity prior to his arrest,” Ochei said.
Investigations also revealed that the vehicle used by Abdullahi was registered for commercial Uber services, not military operations. The car has been recovered and is now in police custody.
Abdullahi had reportedly appeared on security watchlists following similar incidents at Oshodi and Alaba International markets. Officers at the 651 Nigerian Air Force Base, Ikeja, confirmed that his photograph had circulated among security agencies due to prior complaints.
The three-year investigation indicated that he defrauded traders at Trade Fair, Ladipo, and Alaba markets.
Five victims have come forward so far, including an elderly woman who lost more than N300,000 to the scam.
During interrogation, Abdullahi admitted obtaining the uniform from a friend and said he became involved in the scheme in July while working as a commercial motorcyclist between Iyana-Ipaja and Oshodi.
He claimed he first wore the camouflage while providing security at a party, earning N35,000 for the job.
Authorities are still working to trace other members of the alleged syndicate, including the supplier of the uniform.
Commander Ochei reiterated the Armed Forces’ zero-tolerance stance on impersonation, emphasizing continued cooperation with the police and the public to ensure perpetrators face legal consequences
