Police arrest fake soldier, six others amid Jos crisis

Operatives of the Plateau State Police Command have arrested a fake soldier in the midst of the ongoing crisis in Jos, the state capital.

It was gathered that the suspect was immediately taken to the police headquarters in Jos to be paraded by the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.

The spokesperson for the command, Alabo Alfred, who confirmed the development in a statement said the suspect, dressed in an army singlet and an extra shirt, was apprehended at Angwan Rukuba — the same community where 28 people were k!lled and 22 others injured during the Palm Sunday night attack.

According to him, the suspect was arrested while roaming suspiciously in the area on Wednesday afternoon, April 1 and was found in possession of a fake Nigerian Military School (NMS) identity card.

Alfred further disclosed that five other individuals were arrested in connection with unrest across the Jos metropolis earlier in the day, describing them as hoodlums who exploited the situation to perpetuate criminal acts.

“They are essentially thieves who took advantage of the tension to snatch bags and money from unsuspecting members of the public, particularly around the Terminus area,” he said.

The police spokesperson noted that security operatives were swiftly mobilised when the situation began, successfully dispersing the hoodlums and restoring calm.

He added that security presence has since been reinforced around key locations, including the university environment and other strategic areas, to ensure the protection of lives and property.

Alabo urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, calling on the public to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies