The Plateau State Police Command has reported the arrest of a bogus soldier, Yakubu Abdullahi, and six other suspects in connection with the Palm Sunday attack in the Gari Yawaye community, Angwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA, which killed over 30 persons and maimed numerous others.
Plateau police spokesman Alfred Alabo confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that Abdullahi was captured disguised in military camouflage, which he described as a premeditated attempt to fool unsuspecting victims and dodge security checks.
He stated that a search of the suspect resulted in the discovery of an extra shirt and a falsified identity card from the Nigerian Military School, raising suspicions of deliberate impersonation.
Alabo claimed that the arrests followed an intense investigation and security operations initiated by the command in response to increased violence in the state capital, which began on Sunday, March 29th and has persisted in pockets around the metropolis.
“In the same operation, another suspect, Matthew Musa, 27, was arrested with two locally made firearms believed to have been used in violent operations within affected communities,” Alabo said in the statement.
“All seven suspects are being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where extensive investigations are underway to uncover the entire network behind the attacks. After the investigation is completed, they are expected to face charges in court.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional personnel to volatile areas across Jos and adjoining communities, in a decisive move to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed.”
The police official emphasised that the command has given a clear warning to criminals, stating zero tolerance for violence and lawlessness.
“The command will not stand by and let criminals take advantage of the circumstances. Anyone found wanting will face the full force of the law,” the statement read.