Police arrest four for forgery, job racketeering

The Nigeria Police Force said it apprehended four suspects involved in a syndicate specialising in forgery, job racketeering, and impersonation.

According to a statement on Tuesday via X, the arrests were made by operatives of the IGP-Special Investigation Unit following intelligence reports and a petition from the Office of the Special Assistant to the President.

The suspects, identified as Khuzaifa Tafida, Zakari Abdullahi, Abdullahi Baba, and Adeyemo Morufu, allegedly forged documents from government agencies to deceive and extort money from unsuspecting job seekers.

Among the forged items recovered were documents purportedly from the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and the State House, Abuja.

During the investigation, police recovered incriminating materials, including forged documents, stamps, and a sum of ₦1.7 million.

The suspects confessed to their roles in the crime, admitting they promised victims employment at various federal agencies.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their roles in the crime. They admitted to forging documents from several government offices to defraud unsuspecting victims, promising them enlistment and jobs at various Government Agencies.

“Some forged classified documents, stamps, the sum of N1.7m and other incriminating items, were recovered from them.

“With this new trend, members of the public are advised to be wary of such fraudulent elements and avoid dealing with persons and individuals offering assistance outside of due process,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the statement added that the Nigerian police successfully thwarted several kidnapping attempts across the country.

In Katsina State, operatives attached to the Jibia Divisional Headquarters foiled an abduction along the Magama-Jibia road. During the encounter, police rescued 14 victims after engaging the bandits in a gun duel. However, two victims sustained gunshot injuries inflicted by the fleeing assailants.

In Kaduna State, police operatives repelled an attempted abduction in Idasu Village, rescuing 89 victims and recovering a locally made AK-47 rifle with five rounds of ammunition. Similar operations were carried out in Lagos, Zamfara, and Delta States, resulting in the rescue of more victims.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication.

“The IGP further reiterates the commitment of the Force towards continual professionalism and dedication to the safety and security of our dear country,” the statement added.