Emmanuel Anthony, a dismissed Lance Corporal in the Nigerian Army, on Monday said he deserted the military over fears of getting killed by members of Boko Haram terrorist group.

The suspect made the assertion in a confessional statement to the 81 Division headquarters in Lagos before being paraded alongside 12 others for impersonation.

The General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udo, who was represented by the division’s Chief Staff Officer, Brig.-Gen. Hamisu Hassan gave the suspects’ names as; Abdullahi Mubarak, Ibeh Emeka, Olasunkanmi Olamide, Godwin Emmanuel, Private Ahmed Yahaya, Ale Ayokunle, Robert Danang, Corporal Abubakar Suleiman, Private Ibrahim Isah, Monday Ogar, Emeka Stephen and Bala Gabriel.

Anthony was alleged to have led a gang of fake soldiers, who had military uniforms, accoutrements, recruitment forms and identity cards in their possessions. He said he fled the army in 2016 when he was posted to the Northeast to fight Boko Haram.

He said,

“I was a Lance Corporal. I deserted the army in 2016. I ran from the Northeast where I was deployed to fight Boko Haram. I was given two weeks pass to go and see my family but I did not return.

“I went to Akwa Ibom State and stayed there for over a month. I was declared wanted and the army arrested me. I was punished and sent back to the Northeast but I fled. I was afraid and did not want to fight Boko Haram.

“When I was dismissed, I decided to pretend to be an officer. I impersonated an Army Lieutenant. I bought the uniform and the rank. I did fake identity card and also printed pass forms which I usually filled and stamped each time I went out to show any personnel who checked me.

“I used to pretend to be an officer to escort Tokunbo vehicles from the border and I get paid for it. Yes I saved army recruitment form in a flash drive. I did it because someone requested for it and he was to pay me N3,000.”

Brig.-Gen. Hassan further stated that three other members of Anthony’s syndicate were arrested at different areas; Ibeh Emeka and Emeka Stephen, a computer operator were apprehended at Alaba International Market, while Bala Gabriel was arrested at Ojo area.

He said the suspects were involved in crimes ranging from impersonation, molestation and extortion of innocent civilians as well as other illegalities.

Brig.-Gen. Hassan said they would all be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.