The Department of State Services picked up a man in Abuja on Wednesday night for allegedly pretending to be a DSS officer and using a toy pistol to extort money from motorists.
According to counter-insurgency outlet Zagazola Makama, the suspect is Moferewa Maiye, who told investigators he is from Agbajojun village in Mopamuro LGA, Kogi State. DSS operatives tracked him to a hideout near NITEL Junction on Adetokunbo Ademola Way in Wuse II.
At the time of the arrest, Maiye was wearing a DSS tactical uniform and carrying what turned out to be a fake pistol. A security source said the arrest followed credible intelligence that he had been stopping commuters and drivers on the road, threatening them with the uniform and weapon to collect money.
During questioning, Maiye reportedly said his brother, Monday Maiye, was a DSS officer who died years ago. He claimed the uniform and kit belonged to his late brother.
The service said it is now investigating how Maiye obtained the uniform and gear, and how long he has been carrying out the impersonation. He remains in custody while interrogation continues.
The case highlights a growing pattern of people impersonating security agents to intimidate members of the public.
