Police arrest ‘fake soldier defrauding’ residents in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa police command says a fake soldier identified as Muhammed Haladu has been arrested.

In a statement on Thursday,  Ramhan Nansel, police spokesperson in Nasarawa, said the suspect was arrested on January 6.

Nansel said Haladu has been parading himself in military uniform and defrauding members of the public, claiming to help them secure employment in the Nigerian Army.

He said the suspect also claimed to be a soldier attached to 231 battalion Biu in Borno state.

According to the police spokesperson, Haladu started posing as a military officer after his attempt to join the army failed.

“On 6/1/2024 at about 1739hrs, one Muhammed Haladu ‘M’ of behind Ozas Hotel, Karu Abuja was arrested on full military camouflage at Awe LGA by two soldiers who came home on pass and handed him over to the Police at Awe Division,” the statement reads.

“The suspect claimed to be a soldier attached to 231 Battalion Biu, Borno state, but investigation proved otherwise.

“The criminal defrauded unsuspecting members of the public under the pretext of securing employment into the Nigeria army.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect attempted to join the military but couldn’t, thus, went to military barracks to purchase the uniform he’s using for his nefarious activities.”

He said Umar Nadada, commissioner of police in Nasarawa, commended the officers for their efforts and urged them to continue to fight to eliminate criminals in the state.