Tensions are high in Bauchi State following a deadly altercation between personnel of the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Army that resulted in the death of a senior army officer during a routine operation.
The incident occurred at about 7:50 p.m. on August 25 in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area, when soldiers of the 33 Artillery Brigade intercepted a truck suspected of conveying illegally mined solid minerals.
The truck, with registration number Gombe 676 BLG, was reportedly being escorted by Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, a mobile police officer.
According to reports shared by counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the truck initially refused to comply with orders to stop, prompting Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna and his men to give chase on motorcycles.
When the soldiers finally caught up with the vehicle, Inspector Ibrahim allegedly opened fire and shot Haruna in the abdomen.
“The soldiers immediately overpowered the policeman and disarmed him, while the injured officer was rushed to Gombe Specialist Hospital,” Makama wrote.
“Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.”
The truck driver reportedly fled the scene during the confusion that followed.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck was transporting illegally mined minerals from Yalo community in Alkaleri LGA.
Inspector Ibrahim, sources claim, was offering unauthorized escort services, a violation of both police protocol and mining regulations.
Security analysts have described the incident as deeply troubling, citing the driver’s refusal to stop, the fatal shooting, and the subsequent escape as signs that there may be more to the story.
Many are calling for a full investigation into both the origin of the minerals and the involvement of security personnel.
In a bid to avoid further escalation, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police met with Brigadier General U.J. Simon, Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade.
Both security chiefs are reportedly working together to ease inter-agency tensions and ensure a thorough, transparent probe.
