Soldier Allegedly Deceives Abia State Government with False Claims About Notorious Kidnapper

Sources have revealed that a serving soldier, Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, allegedly presented false information to the Abia State Government about his involvement in a high-profile 2010 military operation that led to the elimination of a notorious kidnap kingpin.

According to eyewitnesses and officers who participated directly in the operation, Simon falsely claimed to have played a key role in the mission that resulted in the neutralization of Obioma Nwankwo, known as “Osisikankwu,” a feared criminal who terrorized Aba and surrounding communities between 2008 and 2010.

The investigation by Zagazola Makama found that Simon was not part of the team that conducted the raids or participated in the operation that dismantled Osisikankwu’s gang. Despite his absence from the mission, Simon reportedly approached the Abia State Government with claims that he had been instrumental in the kingpin’s capture.

Acting on Simon’s account without verification, Abia State Governor Alex Otti visited the soldier at his home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Council. During the visit, the governor reportedly pledged to sponsor Simon for overseas medical treatment to help him recover from injuries. These injuries, however, were sustained during unrelated military service in Nigeria’s troubled North-East region, not during the Osisikankwu operation as implied.

“He was never on the ground during the Aba raids. The real officers and soldiers risked their lives to dismantle the gang. His narrative is inconsistent with operational reports and testimonies of those who were there,” said one source familiar with the operation.

The sources further revealed that Simon fabricated a story about refusing a N50 million bribe from Osisikankwu during the operation—a claim that none of the officers who participated in the actual raids could corroborate.

The Osisikankwu case represents a significant chapter in Abia State’s security history. At the height of his criminal activities, Nwankwo’s gang was responsible for dozens of kidnappings, armed robberies, and murders that crippled commercial activities in Aba, once a thriving economic hub in southeastern Nigeria. The successful military operation in 2010 that ended his reign of terror brought relief to residents and businesses in the region.

Security analysts note that the misrepresentation of roles in such high-profile operations can have serious implications for military morale and institutional integrity. When individuals falsely claim credit for dangerous missions, it diminishes the sacrifices of those who genuinely risked their lives and undermines trust within security agencies.

“The Aba operation remains a model of coordination, professionalism, and courage. Misrepresenting one’s role not only diminishes the sacrifices of others but could also encourage dishonesty within the ranks,” commented one of the sources.

Military historians point out that such operations typically involve extensive planning, intelligence gathering, and precise execution by specialized teams. The Osisikankwu operation was no exception, requiring coordination between army personnel and other security operatives over an extended period.

While Governor Otti’s gesture to support a purportedly wounded soldier was well-intentioned, the incident highlights the importance of thorough verification before extending official recognition or support. Government officials are often targeted with misleading claims regarding security operations, particularly those that captured significant public attention.

The revelation comes at a time when Nigeria’s security forces continue to battle insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping across various regions of the country. Accurate documentation and recognition of genuine contributions remain essential for maintaining operational integrity and ensuring that honors are bestowed appropriately.

Military authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding Staff Sergeant Simon’s alleged misrepresentation. The Abia State Government has also not commented on whether it will review its decision to sponsor his medical treatment in light of these revelations.