A 27-year-old man, Yusuf Abdullahi, has been arrested for allegedly posing as a Nigerian Air Force officer and defrauding traders across several major markets in Lagos over a three-year period.
Investigators said Abdullahi operated by dressing in military camouflage to convince unsuspecting traders of his authenticity.
He reportedly collected goods from them while presenting fake bank transfer alerts as proof of payment.
The scam was uncovered on February 18, 2026, at Ladipo Market, when traders grew suspicious of a man in uniform who had allegedly obtained items without paying.
He was initially restrained by the traders before officers from the Ladipo Police Division intervened.
The Commander, Patricia Ochei, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), confirmed the arrest.
She said Abdullahi claimed to be attached to 055 Camp in Lagos, prompting military police involvement.
Verification by the Air Force later revealed he was neither a current nor former service member.
“He deliberately used a military identity to gain trust and defraud members of the public. This was his established method prior to his arrest,” Commander Ochei stated.
She added that the vehicle used by Abdullahi was registered for commercial Uber operations, not military use.
The car has since been recovered and is in police custody.
The suspect had reportedly appeared on security watchlists following similar incidents at Oshodi and Alaba International markets.
Officers at the 651 Nigerian Air Force Base, Ikeja, confirmed his image had circulated among security units in connection with past scams.
Investigations suggest Abdullahi defrauded traders at Trade Fair, Ladipo, and Alaba markets over a period of three years.
At least five victims have come forward, including an elderly woman who claimed to have lost over N300,000.
During questioning, Abdullahi admitted he obtained the military uniform from a friend and said he became involved in the criminal activity in July while working as a commercial motorcyclist between Iyana-Ipaja and Oshodi.
He said he first wore the camouflage when hired to provide security for a party, earning N35,000 for that job.
Authorities are continuing investigations to apprehend other potential members of the alleged syndicate, including the person who supplied the uniform.
Commander Ochei emphasized the Armed Forces’ zero-tolerance policy on impersonation and vowed to collaborate with the police and the public to bring all culprits to justice.