Police inspector kills soldier over illegal mining truck in Bauchi

A soldier of the Nigerian Army has been shot dead by a police inspector during an operation to intercept a truck allegedly transporting illegally mined solid minerals in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident occurred on August 25, at about 7:50 p.m., when troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade stopped a truck with registration number Gombe 676 BLG at a checkpoint.

The driver reportedly refused to stop, prompting Guard Commander, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna, to chase the vehicle with his men on motorbikes until it was intercepted.

On halting the truck, a mobile police officer, Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, allegedly opened fire on the Guard Commander, hitting him in the stomach.

Haruna was rushed to the Gombe Specialist Hospital but later died from the gunshot wound.

The soldiers immediately subdued and disarmed the inspector, while the truck driver escaped in the ensuing chaos.

Preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was conveying solid minerals illegally mined in Yalo community, with the inspector suspected to have been escorting it unlawfully.

Security sources described the shooting as suspicious and called for an independent investigation, citing concerns over security personnel’s involvement in illegal mining activities.

Following the incident, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police met with the Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. U.J. Simon, to calm tensions and ensure proper handling of the case.

The remains of the slain officer have been deposited at the hospital morgue, while arrangements for his burial are underway.

Inspector Ibrahim is in army custody, and the impounded truck remains under investigation.