Army arrests soldier over ₦114m fraud, false ‘Osisikankwu’ operation claims

The Nigerian Army has arrested a serving soldier, Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, over alleged large-scale fraud totaling ₦114 million and false claims linking him to the killing of notorious kidnap kingpin, Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu.”

Military sources said the suspect, attached to the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps in Lagos, was apprehended at the Port Harcourt International Airport while attempting to flee to Abuja.

He was arrested by joint troops of the 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost Groups following ongoing investigations into multiple allegations, including fraud and impersonation.

Preliminary findings revealed that the soldier allegedly deceived the Abia State Government by presenting himself as a key participant in the 2010 operation that led to the elimination of the gang leader.

The claim reportedly earned him official recognition and promises of support, including medical assistance.

Further investigations indicated that he had been under the watch of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged involvement in several fraudulent activities.

He is accused of defrauding a company of about ₦100 million, obtaining ₦6 million from an individual under false pretences, and swindling a group of people of approximately ₦8 million before going into hiding.

Sources disclosed that his activities escalated after he sustained injuries from a motorcycle accident during an unauthorised movement in Lagos, which he allegedly used to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting victims.

However, military records and testimonies from personnel involved in the 2010 operation contradict his claims.

Officers who participated in the mission confirmed that the suspect neither took part in nor had any connection to the operation.

A senior officer involved in the mission stated that the operation was led by Brigadier General Timothy Oparon, then a Major, under the command of Brigadier General Andrew Audu.

He explained that 26 soldiers were deployed into the forests of Abia in December 2010, where they successfully neutralised the kingpin, rescued about 10 kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons.

The officer dismissed the suspect’s claims as false, noting that he was never deployed to the operation or any related theatre.

Additional sources also debunked the soldier’s claim of being wounded during operations against Boko Haram in Borno State, confirming that he had never been deployed to Maiduguri or any North-East theatre under Operation HADIN KAI.

Military authorities described his actions as deceptive and damaging, stressing that such conduct undermines the sacrifices of personnel who genuinely took part in high-risk operations.

The Army confirmed that arrangements were underway to transfer the suspect to Lagos for the conclusion of investigations and the initiation of appropriate disciplinary procedures.