Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for impersonating personnel of the Service and allegedly extorting money from commuters in Abuja.
The suspect was apprehended at his hideout around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja, following credible intelligence.
According to a security source, Maiye was found dressed in DSS tactical uniform and in possession of a fake pistol at the time of arrest.
The DSS source said the Secret Police had been tracking the suspect after receiving reports that he was using the uniform and weapon to intimidate motorists and commuters while demanding money from them.
Maiye, who claimed to hail from Agbajojun Village, Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, was immediately taken into custody for interrogation.
During questioning, the suspect told operatives that his brother was a DSS officer who died years ago.
He identified the late brother as Monday Maiye, and claimed that the uniform and kit in his possession belonged to him.
Security operatives said investigations are ongoing to verify the claim and to establish how the suspect came about the official DSS kit.
The source added that investigators are also working to determine how long Maiye has been involved in acts of impersonation and extortion in the FCT.
“The arrest underscores growing concerns by the Service over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminality,” the source stated.
The suspect remains in DSS custody as investigations continue.