Bauchi police arrest fake soldier accused of attacking employer, stealing vehicle
Bauchi State Police Arrest Suspected Impersonator of Army Personnel
Bauchi State Police have apprehended a 26-year-old man, identified as John Umar Shehu, for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Army member, assaulting a potential employer, and stealing his vehicle.
Shehu, a native of Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State, faces multiple charges, including criminal impersonation, breach of trust, assault, and theft. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, released a statement regarding the arrest on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The police reported that they received a written complaint on October 22 from the owner of a pure water factory in the Gida Dubu area of Bauchi. The factory owner stated that Shehu contacted him on October 18, expressing interest in a driver position. Following this communication, Shehu was invited for an interview and a driving assessment.
During the assessment on October 22, Shehu allegedly attacked the factory owner and the son of a neighbor before fleeing with the employer’s vehicle. The vehicle, described as a white H-Jet with registration number AE-278-ALK, was identified as part of the theft, along with a green Infinix Smart 5X mobile phone.
Following the incident, police detectives initiated an investigation that led to Shehu’s arrest through intelligence-led tactics. A subsequent search yielded various Nigerian Army uniforms and military items, including camouflage gear, an Army raincoat, a camouflage vest, and an Army sweater.
The stolen vehicle was also recovered in Jos, the capital of Plateau State. Shehu reportedly assumed the identity of Private Umar Shehu, claiming a service number of NA/22/82/1064 and asserting he was attached to the 7 Division, Maimalari Barracks, 134 Special Forces Battalion in Borno State.
Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu condemned the alleged impersonation, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated. “The Command will not tolerate the criminal impersonation of security agencies to perpetrate crime,” Aliyu stated, assuring the public that Shehu would face thorough investigation and prosecution.
The police have indicated that the recovered vehicle and military items will be used as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
