In a major crackdown on cybercrime and recruitment fraud, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have arrested a 28-year-old man, Dauda Samuel, for impersonating the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, and operating a fraudulent police recruitment scheme via Facebook.
The suspect, who was apprehended in Panda Village, Nasarawa State, allegedly created a fake social media account using the identity and images of DIG Frank Mba to deceive and extort unsuspecting Nigerians seeking employment in the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrest followed credible intelligence and a series of complaints from members of the public about a scam syndicate using the names of top police officials to lure job seekers into fake recruitment processes.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect exploited the identity of DIG Mba to operate a fraudulent online profile and demanded payments from victims under the false promise of securing them positions in the Nigeria Police,” ACP Adejobi stated.
The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and is currently providing useful information to aid further investigation, which may lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate. Cyber forensic experts are currently analyzing his digital activities to uncover the full extent of the operation.
ACP Adejobi used the opportunity to caution the public against falling for recruitment scams, emphasizing that all genuine recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force is announced and conducted through official channels—not social media or private contacts.
“The Nigeria Police Force does not solicit money or conduct recruitment exercises via personal accounts. Members of the public are urged to always verify recruitment information from official police platforms,” he warned.
The suspect will face charges under relevant state and federal laws once investigations are concluded.
This incident highlights the growing menace of cyber impersonation and the importance of digital vigilance, particularly as fraudsters increasingly exploit social media to take advantage of desperate citizens.
