NSCDC nabs fake soldier for PoS scam in Kwara

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Kwara State has arrested a 34-year-old man named Akinola Tosin. He is accused of cheating a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator by using a fake bank transfer alert and pretending to be a soldier in the Nigerian Army.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayoola Michael. He said the suspect was caught after a PoS operator reported being defrauded.

According to the statement, Tosin allegedly took N40,600 from the operator by showing a fake debit alert as proof that he had paid.

Michael stated, "The suspect was apprehended following a complaint that he defrauded a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator through the use of a fake bank transfer alert."

He continued, "Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect collected the sum of N40,600 after presenting a fake debit alert to the POS operator, deceiving the victim into believing a successful transfer had been made."

Broader Fraud Pattern

Further investigations showed that Tosin was involved in a wider scheme. He was impersonating military personnel to gain trust from the public.

Michael added, "Further investigations revealed that the suspect had been impersonating a member of the Nigerian Army using a fake military identity card bearing his name, alongside military-related paraphernalia, which he allegedly used to gain public trust and facilitate his criminal activities."

The NSCDC recovered several items from Tosin, including eight ATM cards and a National Identity Card.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to previous frauds that involved several victims.

Michael mentioned, "The suspect also confessed to previous fraudulent activities involving multiple victims, while further investigation uncovered a suspected accomplice, identified as one Feranmi Idoko Godwin, who is currently at large."

He added that efforts are ongoing to catch the suspect who is on the run and to finish the investigations.

The Commandant of the Kwara State NSCDC, Abbas Mohammed, emphasized the Corps’ dedication to fighting crime in the state.

He urged the public to stay alert and verify electronic transactions before handing over cash, goods, or other valuables.

The command also advised PoS operators, traders, and business owners to confirm electronic transfers through official banking channels. They warned that fraudsters are increasingly using fake transaction alerts.