THEY wear military fatigues and display corresponding Identity Cards. They look like it, speak like it and act like it. But they are mere impersonators.

Such appearances have prompted Rivers State communities –Igwuruta in Ikwere Local Government Area, and four others in Ahoada West Local Council– to raise an alarm over the activities of persons who go about defrauding residents.

A victim in Igwuruta, Mr. Prince Odu, described the suspects as a gang of three men, who claiming to be Captains in the Nigerian Army, visit homes to extort money.

Odu said the ‘soldiers’ intimidate people and threaten to arrest them if they fail to meet their demands.

“About two years now, my wife, children and I have been encountering these persons. They said that we should address them as ‘Captains’ and told us that they are soldiers. They showed us their ID cards. One of them kept coming to my house. One day, he asked that I should give him N200, 000 to enable him settle some issues. I told him I did not have such amount of money.

“He threatened to make trouble with me, if I fail to provide the money. Aware that I could not afford such an amount, I became very terrified. I told a friend, who informed an army officer. The case was taken up. I am surprised to hear that the man who has been terrorising us for years is a fake soldier.”

Another victim, Mr. Clement Udochi, said the fake soldiers force out money from people with promises to resolve land disputes for them.

Public Relations Officer of Brigade Headquarters, Port Harcourt, Mr. Michael Etete, said he is yet to be briefed on the development.

A credible source at the headquarters, however confirmed the story, saying several fake army officers have been arrested in relation to the complaint.

He described the situation as sad, lamenting that the syndicate drags the image of the military in the mud.

He said the suspects are being interrogated and would face prosecution. He also advised residents to be vigilant and cultivate the habit of making inquiries.

The source, a senior officer, said efforts are on to curb the menace of fake soldiers.

Reacting, the Director, Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Laws (IHRHL), Anyakwee Nsirimovu, said: “In an environment where corruption is rife, where there are no jobs for qualified graduates, where the society is not conducive to entrepreneurship and investment, such anomalies are inevitable.”

He urged citizens to be vigilant.