NSCDC Arrests Man for Alleged PoS Fraud, Fake Army Impersonation in Kwara

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State have arrested a 34-year-old man, identified as Akinola Tosin, over allegations of electronic fraud and impersonation of a Nigerian Army officer.

The suspect was reportedly apprehended following a complaint lodged by a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator who accused him of obtaining cash through the use of a fake bank transfer alert.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Kwara State Command, ASC I Ayoola Michael.

According to the command, preliminary investigations revealed that Tosin allegedly visited a PoS outlet and successfully deceived the operator into releasing cash after presenting what appeared to be a genuine transaction notification.

Investigators said the suspect obtained the sum of ₦40,600 after showing the victim a fabricated debit alert, creating the impression that a successful bank transfer had been completed.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect collected the sum of Forty Thousand Six Hundred Naira (₦40,600) after presenting a fake debit alert to the PoS operator, deceiving the victim into believing that payment had been made,” the statement said.

The case, however, took a more serious dimension when investigators allegedly discovered that the suspect had also been posing as a serving member of the Nigerian Army.

According to the NSCDC, further inquiries uncovered a fake military identity card bearing the suspect’s name, along with several military-related items believed to have been used to reinforce his false identity.

Officials said the suspect allegedly leveraged the military persona to gain the confidence of unsuspecting members of the public and facilitate fraudulent activities.

During interrogation, Tosin reportedly admitted involvement in similar fraudulent schemes targeting other victims, raising concerns that the alleged operation may have extended beyond the reported incident.

The NSCDC further disclosed that investigations led to the identification of another suspect believed to be connected to the activities. The accomplice, identified as Feranmi Idoko Godwin, is currently on the run.

Security operatives have launched efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing suspect as investigations continue.

A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several items believed to be connected to the alleged crimes. Recovered exhibits include two Opay ATM cards, two UBA ATM cards, two First Bank ATM cards, one PalmPay ATM card, and a National Identity Card.

Authorities said the recovered items are being examined as part of ongoing efforts to determine the full scope of the suspected fraud network and identify additional victims, if any.

The NSCDC stated that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Reacting to the arrest, the Kwara State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Abbas Ndah Mohammed, reiterated the Corps’ commitment to tackling fraud, impersonation, and other criminal activities across the state.

He urged Nigerians, particularly PoS operators and business owners, to exercise caution when handling electronic transactions and to verify payment confirmations through official banking channels before releasing cash, goods, or services.

The command also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities and individuals claiming false identities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.

The arrest comes amid increasing concerns over the growing use of fake transaction alerts by fraudsters to defraud PoS operators, traders, and small business owners across the country.