Police Officer Arrested After Soldier Shot Dead in Altercation

A police officer has been taken into custody following the fatal shooting of a soldier in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

The acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 33 Artillery Brigade, Atang Hallet Solomon, confirmed the incident, noting that both the Police and the Army are conducting a joint investigation into the matter. “Discussions are ongoing between the two agencies to ensure a thorough probe and to prevent any further escalation,” he said.

According to local hunters and vigilantes, the incident stemmed from a dispute between security operatives over a truck allegedly belonging to a Chinese mining company. The truck, carrying minerals from the Yalo mining site, was intercepted on Monday evening shortly after Maghrib prayers.

Witnesses reported that troops from the 33 Artillery Brigade ordered the truck, bearing registration number Gombe 676 BLG, to stop at a checkpoint in Futuk. When the driver refused, the soldiers pursued and intercepted the vehicle near a bridge. A scuffle ensued between the commanding officer of the soldiers and the MOPOL officer escorting the truck. During the altercation, the policeman allegedly shot the army officer in the back.

Residents said panic gripped the community as traders and shopkeepers hurriedly closed their businesses. In the confusion, the truck driver escaped. Senior officials of Alkaleri Local Government commended the soldiers for exercising restraint, noting that both the truck driver and the MOPOL officer were arrested and transferred to Bauchi for further action.

The wounded soldier was rushed to a hospital in Gombe but later succumbed to his injuries. His remains are currently at the hospital morgue, with burial arrangements underway in accordance with military tradition. The MOPOL officer remains in custody, while the intercepted truck has been impounded.

Local sources alleged that the truck may have been transporting illegally mined solid minerals and raised concerns over the involvement of security operatives in unlawful mining activities. Officials emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Daily Trust reports that 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.