Security operatives in Plateau State have arrested a man posing as a soldier along with five other suspects following the unrest that swept through parts of Jos on Wednesday.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrests through its spokesperson in the state, Alfred Alabo, who said the alleged impersonator was picked up at Angwan Rukuba — the same area where a deadly Palm Sunday attack left several residents killed and many others injured.
According to the police, the suspect was spotted moving around the neighbourhood in suspicious circumstances on Wednesday afternoon. At the time of his arrest, he was wearing an army singlet with another shirt over it and was reportedly found carrying a fake identity card belonging to the Nigerian Military School.
Alabo also revealed that five additional suspects were taken into custody over disturbances recorded earlier across the Jos metropolis. He described them as criminals who took advantage of the tense atmosphere in the city to carry out theft.
“They were essentially thieves who exploited the chaos to snatch bags and money from unsuspecting members of the public, especially around the Terminus area,” he explained.
Police authorities said officers were quickly deployed to the affected locations once the disturbances began. The security teams were able to disperse the hoodlums and restore order in the area.
Following the incident, security has been tightened around key parts of the city, including areas around the university and other strategic locations, to prevent further trouble and ensure residents remain safe.
The police spokesperson urged residents to stay calm but remain alert, advising the public to report any suspicious activity to security agencies without delay. Authorities say operations are ongoing to keep the peace and prevent another breakdown of law and order in the state.
