Ogun police arrest man known as General Don for impersonating military officer

The Ogun State Police Command has detained a man identified as Akinola Damilare, who is popularly known by the alias General Don, for the alleged crime of impersonating military personnel. The arrest took place in the state capital, Abeokuta, where operatives from the command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit apprehended the suspect at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The location of the arrest was the Kajola area in Elega, Abeokuta. According to official statements, the operation was intelligence-led, prompted by credible information provided by a community leader that was subsequently verified through discreet surveillance by the SWAT team.

Background

The arrest was confirmed on Thursday, 5 November 2026, by DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Police Command. In a statement released to the media, Babaseyi detailed that the suspect was found in possession of items used to facilitate the alleged impersonation. The seized materials comprised a military-style cap, three-quarter length military pants, and four images showing the individual wearing a service uniform. The police command stated that the operation was part of broader efforts to curb impersonation and other criminal activities within the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, was cited as reaffirming the command's dedication to addressing these issues and encouraging residents to report any suspicious behavior promptly.

Investigations into the case are currently ongoing. Officials are currently investigating the complete scope of the suspect's actions while also seeking to identify whether any partners were part of the operation. The police have emphasized that the goal is to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged impersonation and to identify any other persons connected to the case. The use of the alias General Don suggests that the suspect may have cultivated a public persona based on a false military rank, which likely contributed to the credibility of his actions in the eyes of the public or specific victims.

Why it matters

The incident highlights a growing concern regarding individuals who impersonate military and police personnel to commit various crimes across Nigeria. According to reports, such impersonators have been linked to serious offenses including kidnapping, extortion, land grabbing, and intimidation. The presence of individuals in military uniforms can create a climate of fear, causing victims to hesitate in challenging them or reporting the incidents to the authorities. This arrest is significant as it represents a targeted effort by the Ogun State Police Command to dismantle such criminal networks and restore public confidence in law enforcement. The recovery of specific military attire and photographic evidence provides concrete proof of the suspect's intent to deceive, which is crucial for the ongoing legal proceedings.

What happens next

The police have indicated that the investigation is still active. The primary focus of the next steps is to determine the full scope of the suspect's operations and to identify any co-conspirators. While no specific trial dates or further charges have been publicly announced in the available reports, the command has urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any further instances of impersonation. The case will likely proceed through the standard legal channels, with the recovered items serving as key evidence in the prosecution's case against Akinola Damilare.