The police command in Bauchi State has arrested John Shehu for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Army officer, assaulting his prospective employer and stealing his vehicle.

The suspect, who hails from the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, was also accused of criminal breach of trust and theft.

The police spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, said in a statement on Friday that the suspect was arrested after a petition by Salisu, a resident of the Gida Dubu area of Bauchi.

“The petitioner stated that on 18th October, 2026, at about 1137 hrs, he received a call from an unknown number, 09014****65. 

“The caller, who identified himself as John Umar Shehu, solicited a driving job at his pure water factory in Bauchi and was invited for an interview/assessment on 19th October, 2026,” he said.

The police said the suspect allegedly attacked the factory owner and the son of his neighbour on October 22 while the assessment was ongoing, before fleeing with the employer’s vehicle.

The stolen vehicle, a white H-Jet with registration number AE-278-ALK, was later recovered from the suspect in Jos, Plateau State.

The police said a search of the suspect also led to the recovery of Nigerian Army uniforms, including desert and green camouflage uniforms, a raincoat, a camouflage vest, and an Army sweater.

Mr Habib said the stolen vehicle was also recovered in his possession in Jos, the capital city of Plateau State.

He added that the suspect allegedly paraded himself as Private Umar Shehu, with service number NA/22/82/1064, claiming to be attached to the 134 Special Forces Battalion, 7 Division, Maimalari Barracks, Borno State.