The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, John Umar, over alleged impersonation, criminal breach of trust, assault and theft, following the recovery of a vehicle reportedly stolen from a water factory owner.
The suspect, who resides in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, is also accused of posing as a Nigerian Army personnel to carry out criminal activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday, saying it followed a petition from a resident of the Gida Dubu area of Bauchi metropolis.
According to the police, the complainant received a telephone call on October 18, 2026, from a man who identified himself as John Umar Shehu and expressed interest in working as a driver at his pure water factory.
Habib said that on October 22, while the employment assessment was ongoing, the suspect allegedly attacked the factory owner and his neighbour’s son before making away with the owner’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.
Police detectives subsequently arrested the suspect through intelligence-led operations.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of military clothing and other items allegedly used in the impersonation, including desert camouflage and green camouflage uniforms, an Army raincoat, a camouflage vest and an Army sweater.
The stolen vehicle was also recovered from the suspect in Jos, Plateau State.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged impersonation and assured that the suspect would be thoroughly investigated and charged to court.
