THE Nigerian Army, on Saturday, June 22, arrested a man posing as an Army recruitment officer while allegedly attempting to deceive prospective military recruits in Jalingo, Taraba State.

This was made known in a statement released on Sunday, June 23, by the spokesman for the Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) Jalingo, O. Oni, a lieutenant.

The arrest occurred after a visit to the recruitment centre at 114 Battalion Jimilari by the Brigade’s commander, Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, who inspected the ongoing recruitment process and guaranteed its transparency.

“The impostor was arrested today, 22 June 2024, as he tried to collect money from hopeful recruits, promising them guaranteed entry into the Nigerian Army. The swift action of the troops thwarted his plans, preventing the candidates from falling victim to fraud,” the statement read in parts.

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Uwa, speaking after the alleged impostor’s arrest, lauded the soldiers’ diligence and emphasised that maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process is the Army’s top priority.

He added that the suspect would be taken to the appropriate authorities for further questioning and prosecution.

He also addressed the recruits, assured them of a fair and transparent recruitment process and urged them and the general public to report any suspicious activities related to the recruitment exercise to the authorities.

He said doing so would help ensure that only the best candidates are inducted into the Nigerian Army.

“We are committed to maintaining a level-playing field for all candidates. Our recruitment will be based solely on merit, and we will not tolerate any fraudulent activities,” he added.