Troops Arrest Suspected Fake Soldier for Phone Snatching in Jos
Troops Arrest Suspected Fake Soldier for Phone Snatching in Jos
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a suspected fake soldier, Salim Idris, for allegedly impersonating military personnel, snatching mobile phones and causing public disturbance in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect was apprehended at about 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Filin Sukuwa following credible intelligence about his alleged criminal activities in the area. The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh, confirmed the arrest. He said troops acted on the intelligence, trailed the suspect and apprehended him while he was dressed in a military camouflage uniform.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed that the suspect had been involved in a series of alleged criminal activities, including public disturbance, phone snatching and impersonation of security agencies. Following his arrest, Salim Idris was taken into military custody for further investigation and profiling. The military said the investigation would establish the full extent of his alleged involvement in criminal activities and determine appropriate next steps.
Residents of Filin Sukuwa commended the troops for their swift response, noting that cases of criminal elements impersonating security personnel have been on the rise in the area. Security agencies have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or military formation. They also advised residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a security operative before cooperating with them.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb criminal activities and impersonation of security personnel in Plateau State. In April, troops arrested two suspects allegedly posing as military personnel during an operation in Dutse Uku, Jos North, after reports of sporadic gunfire and arson in the community.
Military authorities have warned that criminal elements sometimes exploit military-style attire to perpetrate attacks and discredit the Armed Forces. They urged residents to report anyone found wearing military uniforms without proper authorisation or engaging in suspicious conduct.
The arrest of Salim Idris is expected to reassure residents of Filin Sukuwa and surrounding communities that security agencies are taking action against impersonators and criminal elements operating in the area
