The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly impersonating operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the circulation of a viral video showing them assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle rider in Umuahia.

The suspects, identified as 41-year-old Anthony Kelechi and 42-year-old Bright Abraham, were apprehended by detectives attached to the Central Police Station in Umuahia after investigations into the incident.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to Chinaka, the investigation was launched after a video surfaced on social media showing two men—one dressed in attire resembling that of a community security operative and the other in plain clothes—physically assaulting and handcuffing an auto-rickshaw driver.

Preliminary findings, she said, revealed that the suspects are members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy, an organisation established to promote awareness against drug abuse.

However, the police alleged that the pair used the platform as a cover to impersonate NDLEA personnel and carry out unauthorised operations within the Umuahia metropolis.

The command further alleged that the suspects engaged in unlawful arrests and extorted money from members of the public while posing as officials enforcing drug-related laws.

“The suspects were arrested following a viral video on social media depicting two individuals, one dressed in attire resembling that of a community security operative and the other in plain clothes, assaulting and handcuffing an autorickshaw rider (keke driver),” the statement read.

Chinaka added that investigations are still ongoing and assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Discreet investigation is ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others,” she stated.

Commenting on the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands.

He explained that although Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act permits private citizens to arrest individuals caught committing offences, such suspects must be handed over immediately to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.

“The use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies in order to extort remains unlawful and criminal and will not be tolerated,” the commissioner warned.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to report suspicious individuals or activities through the nearest police station or the designated emergency lines.

The arrests come amid increasing concerns over the activities of individuals who allegedly impersonate security personnel to intimidate and extort unsuspecting members of the public. Security agencies have repeatedly warned that only duly authorised officers are permitted to carry out law enforcement duties.