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Trigger-Happy Police Inspector Shoots Soldier Dead During Clash Over Illegal Mining Truck In Bauchi
The soldiers immediately disarmed the inspector and rushed the injured officer to the Gombe Specialist Hospital, where he later died
Bauchi State– A tragic incident unfolded in Bauchi State as a trigger-Happy Police Inspector allegedly shot and killed a Nigerian Army soldier during a confrontation over a truck suspected of transporting solid minerals from an illegal mining site.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on August 25 at about 7:50 p.m. in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area, when troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, flagged down a truck with registration number Gombe 676 BLG at a checkpoint.
However, the driver reportedly ignored the order to stop, prompting the Guard Commander, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna, to give chase with his team on motorbikes.
Upon finally intercepting the vehicle, a mobile police officer identified as Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim allegedly opened fire on MWO Haruna, hitting him in the stomach.
The soldiers immediately disarmed the inspector and rushed the injured officer to the Gombe Specialist Hospital, where he later die.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident on his X handle, noting that investigations into the shooting have commenced.
Sources revealed that the truck driver fled the scene amid the chaos following the shooting.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the truck was carrying solid minerals, allegedly mined illegally from Yalo community in Alkaleri LGA.
It was further suspected that the police inspector was providing an unauthorized escort for the vehicle.
“The reasons behind the refusal of the vehicle to stop at the checkpoint, the decision of a trained police officer to open fire on soldiers after interception, and the escape of the driver remain highly suspicious. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances behind the incident.”
Sources noted that the involvement of security personnel in illegal mining operations remains a troubling issue, emphasizing the need for urgent, independent investigations to address possible compromises within the security system.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police has met with the Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. U.J. Simon, to ease tensions and ensure the case is handled appropriately.
Zagazola gathered that the slain officer’s remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue, with burial arrangements underway in line with military tradition.
The suspect, Inspector Ibrahim, is currently in army custody, while the intercepted truck has been impounded for further investigation.
