Police inspector kills soldier during clash over illegal mining truck in Bauchi

A soldier of the Nigerian Army was shot dead on Monday by a mobile police inspector during the interception of a truck suspected to be 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, Bauchi, stopped a truck with registration number Gombe 676 BLG at a checkpoint in Futuk village.

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

On stopping the truck, a mobile police officer identified as Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, who was reportedly escorting the vehicle, allegedly disembarked and opened fire on MWO Haruna, hitting him in the stomach.

The soldiers quickly overpowered and disarmed the officer, while the injured commander was rushed to the Gombe Specialist Hospital, where he later died from the gunshot wound. In the ensuing chaos, the truck driver fled the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was loaded with solid minerals believed to have been illegally mined in Yalo community, Alkaleri LGA.

The police inspector was suspected to have been providing unauthorized escort services for the truck.

“The refusal of the truck to stop at the checkpoint, the decision of a trained police officer to fire at soldiers, and the escape of the driver are highly suspicious. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the full circumstances,” a security source disclosed.

The development has fueled fresh concerns over the involvement of security operatives in illegal mining activities. Observers say the case highlights the urgent need for independent investigations to address growing compromises within the security system.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police has met with the Commander of 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. U.J. Simon, to de-escalate tensions and ensure due process in handling the matter.

The remains of the slain officer have been deposited at the hospital morgue, while military arrangements are being made for his burial in line with tradition. Inspector Ibrahim is currently in army custody, and the intercepted truck has been impounded for further investigation.