The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Imo Command, says a man allegedly caught impersonating corps personnel while extorting money from unsuspecting motorists is now in its custody.

The spokesman for the command, Cajetan Ahanonu, a Superintendent of Corps, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri and made available to newsmen on Friday.

Mr Ahanonu explained that the suspect (name withheld) was recently found wearing an NSCDC uniform “and extorting motorists” around Warehouse Junction, Owerri.

He stated that the suspect, who paraded himself as a traffic control officer of the command, “is not a personnel of the corps”.

He described him as “an impersonator, whose unlawful activities are aimed at bringing the good image and reputation of the corps to disrepute and abuse”.

He said that the suspect, now being detained by the command, would be “duly prosecuted for impersonation, extortion, and other related offences”.

“NSCDC, therefore, warns the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected fake personnel or individuals parading themselves as officers of the corps.

“Such persons, when apprehended, will be made to face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.

He stated that the command, under the leadership of Commandant Basil Igwebueze, “remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of lives and critical national assets across the state”.

 (NAN)