A suspected impersonator, Mubarak Bello, 38, has been arrested with a fake police identification card as well as illegal possession of a firearm in Katsina State.

Bello was arrested in the wee hours of Saturday morning by a group of routine patrol officers after he was unable to give a satisfactory account of himself and the vehicle he was driving.

The suspect’s unsatisfactory response prompted the patrol officers to search the vehicle, where the fake police identification card and firearm were discovered.

A statement by a spokesperson for the police command in the state, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said an investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the possession of the fake ID and firearm.

“The Katsina State Police Command, under the able leadership of CP Bello Shehu, has succeeded in arresting a suspect for illegal possession of a firearm and impersonation, and recovered significant exhibits.

“On September 13th, 2025, at about 0230 hrs, while on routine patrol, officers attached to the command’s Department of Operations successfully arrested one Mubarak Bello, age 38, of Kofar Yamma Quarters, Kurfi LGA, Katsina State, in connection with illegal possession of a firearm and impersonation.

“The team, acting on heightened vigilance and proactive policing strategies, intercepted a Toyota Corolla, ash color, with registration No. Lagos GGE 473 BH, driven by the suspect. Upon questioning, the suspect could not provide a satisfactory account of himself or the vehicle, prompting an immediate search.

“During the search of the vehicle, the following were recovered as exhibits from the suspect: one locally fabricated rifle; four live cartridges; two expended shells of cartridges; a fake police ID card; and an extra plate number (Kano FGE 68).

“The suspect is in custody as investigations are being intensified to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm, fake ID, and other exhibits.”