Police Recover Stolen Vehicle, Military Uniforms From Suspected Fake Soldier In Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man identified as John Umar Shehu for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Army personnel, assaulting his prospective employer and stealing his vehicle.

The suspect, who hails from Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, was arrested over allegations of criminal impersonation, criminal breach of trust, assault and theft.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrest in a statement released on Friday, October 30, 2026.

The police explained that the case began after a resident of the Gida Dubu area of Bauchi submitted a written petition to the command on October 22.

According to the petitioner, the suspect had contacted him on October 18, expressing interest in working as a driver at his pure water factory. He was subsequently invited for an interview and driving assessment.

However, the situation allegedly took a criminal turn during the assessment on October 22, when Shehu reportedly attacked the factory owner and the son of one of his neighbours before escaping with the employer’s vehicle.

The stolen vehicle was identified as a white H-Jet with registration number AE-278-ALK. A green Infinix Smart 5X mobile phone was also reportedly taken during the incident.

Following the complaint, police detectives launched an investigation and eventually arrested the suspect through intelligence-led operations.

A search conducted on him reportedly led to the recovery of several Nigerian Army uniforms and military-related items, including desert camouflage, green camouflage, a jungle hat, an Army raincoat, a camouflage vest and an Army sweater.

The police also disclosed that the stolen vehicle was recovered from the suspect in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Further investigations allegedly revealed that the suspect had been presenting 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 in Borno State.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged impersonation and warned individuals against using the identities of security agencies to commit criminal activities.

He stated that the command would not tolerate the impersonation of security personnel for criminal purposes.

The police commissioner further assured the public that the suspect would undergo a thorough investigation before being charged in court.

The command added that the recovered vehicle and military items would be retained as exhibits to support the ongoing investigation.

The suspect remains accused of the offences, and the allegations are yet to be determined by a court of law.