The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 26-year-old man, John Umar Shehu, for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Army personnel. He is accused of attacking his prospective employer and stealing his vehicle. According to the police, Shehu, a native of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, was arrested on allegations of criminal impersonation, breach of trust, assault, and theft.
The incident occurred on October 22, when the suspect contacted a resident of Gida Dubu area of Bauchi, seeking employment as a driver at his pure water factory. The suspect was invited for an interview and driving assessment, but during the assessment, he allegedly attacked the factory owner and the son of one of his neighbours. He then fled with the employer's vehicle, a white H-Jet motor vehicle with registration number AE-278-ALK, and a green Infinix Smart 5X mobile phone.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026. The statement revealed that detectives launched an investigation and arrested Shehu through intelligence-led policing. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of several Nigerian Army uniforms and military items, including desert camouflage, green camouflage, a jungle hat, an Army raincoat, a camouflage vest, and an Army sweater.
The stolen vehicle was also recovered from the suspect in Jos, the Plateau State capital. According to the police, Shehu presented himself as Private Umar Shehu, with service number NA/22/82/1064, claiming to be attached to the 7 Division, Maimalari Barracks, 134 Special Forces Battalion, Borno State. The police said this impersonation was used to perpetrate the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged impersonation, warning that the command would not tolerate the use of security agencies' identities to perpetrate crimes. He assured that the suspect would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. The police said the arrest followed intelligence-led policing, while the recovered vehicle and military items would serve as exhibits in the investigation.
The incident highlights the growing concern of individuals impersonating security personnel to commit crimes. The police have urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The suspect's arrest and recovery of the stolen vehicle and military items have been hailed as a success for the police.
The Bauchi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to fighting crime and maintaining security in the state. The command has warned that it will not tolerate any form of impersonation or criminal activity, and that anyone found guilty will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Key points
- The suspect, John Umar Shehu, was arrested for impersonating a Nigerian Army personnel and stealing a vehicle.
- The stolen vehicle and several Nigerian Army uniforms and military items were recovered from the suspect.
- The police have warned that they will not tolerate the use of security agencies' identities to perpetrate crimes.
