The Police has arrested a man who allegedly impersonated a soldier in an attempt to rob motorcycle riders in Minna, Niger State.
Another suspect was also apprehended in Bangi town for stealing a motorcycle.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Niger State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi from Kubwa, Abuja, was intercepted by a surveillance team at the city gate on Tuesday around 4.20 pm.
“The suspect was reported to have impersonated a soldier, who intercepted a motorcycle with two persons along the Tutungo-Farindoki road.
He also claimed to be taking them to the Army Barracks, Minna but surprisingly, he took them towards the city gate leaving the Army Barracks behind,” the statement said.
The victims, sensing foul play, raised the alarm when Abdullahi allegedly attempted to escape with the motorcycle.
“At the city gate, the victims raised an alarm as he attempted to escape with the motorcycle, which attracted the crowd.
He was rescued and arrested,” Abiodun added.
Abiodun said Abdullahi has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation.
In a separate incident, the command confirmed the arrest of one Augustine Mathew, 25, in Bangi town on September 15 for allegedly stealing a Daylong motorcycle.
“It was reported at Bangi Division that an unknown person trespassed into a residence in Bangi town and stole a Daylong motorcycle.
“Police surveillance team arrested one Augustine Mathew with the said motorcycle within the town and he confessed to the crime,” the statement added.
Abiodun further noted that Mathew has been charged to court.
PUNCH Online had reported that a dismissed soldier, had previously targeted Point of Sales operators.
On May 12, around 10 am, he reportedly visited a PoS shop near Musa Bello Primary School in Bida and deceitfully collected N120,000 from the operator before escaping.
Similarly, on May 23, around 9.30 am, he allegedly dressed in military camouflage again and collected N300,000 from a PoS attendant at Kataeregi, escaping without being apprehended.
He was later apprehended, and he confessed to the command that he was dismissed in 2022.
