A Nigerian Army soldier has been killed after being shot by a mobile police inspector during the interception of a truck allegedly transporting illegally mined solid minerals in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The tragic incident occurred on August 25, at about 7:50 p.m., when troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, flagged down a truck with registration number Gombe 676 BLG at a checkpoint in Futuk village.
According to security sources, the truck driver reportedly ignored the soldiers’ order to stop, prompting the Guard Commander, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna, to pursue the vehicle on motorcycles with his men until they forced it to a halt.
However, on stopping the truck, a mobile police officer identified as Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim allegedly stepped down from the vehicle and opened fire on MWO Haruna, striking him in the stomach.
The soldiers quickly subdued and disarmed the inspector before rushing their wounded commander to the Gombe Specialist Hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to the gunshot injury shortly after arrival.
In the confusion that followed, the truck driver managed to escape. Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck was carrying solid minerals believed to have been extracted illegally from Yalo community, also in Alkaleri LGA. Inspector Ibrahim was suspected to be providing unauthorized escort for the vehicle.
“The circumstances surrounding why the driver fled, why a police officer opened fire on soldiers, and how the truck was linked to illegal mining remain suspicious. A thorough investigation is underway,” one of the sources disclosed.
The incident has further fueled concerns over the growing involvement of security operatives in aiding illegal mining activities across parts of the country. Analysts warn that the trend poses a grave threat to both national security and resource management.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police has met with the Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. U.J. Simon, in a bid to calm rising tensions between personnel of both institutions and to ensure the matter is professionally handled.
The remains of the slain officer have been deposited at the hospital morgue, with military authorities preparing for burial in accordance with tradition.
Inspector Ibrahim is currently in army custody, while the intercepted truck has been seized as investigations continue.
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