Nigerian Soldier Shot Dead By Policeman Allegedly Escorting Illegal Mining Truck

A Nigerian Army soldier, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna, has been shot dead by a mobile police officer, Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The policeman was reportedly escorting a truck suspected of transporting solid minerals from an illegal mining site.

The incident occurred on August 25 at approximately 7:50 p.m., when troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, stopped the truck, registered Gombe 676 BLG, at a checkpoint in Futuk village.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama shared details of the incident on his X account.

According to the report, the truck driver initially refused to stop at the checkpoint, prompting Haruna to pursue the vehicle with his team on motorbikes until it was intercepted.

When the truck finally halted, Inspector Ibrahim allegedly disembarked and opened fire on the Guard Commander, hitting him in the stomach.

“The soldiers immediately overpowered the policeman and disarmed him, while the injured officer was rushed to the Gombe Specialist Hospital for urgent medical treatment,” Makama posted.

“He later died from the gunshot wound. Sources further disclosed that the truck driver escaped from the scene in the chaos that followed the shooting.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the truck was conveying solid minerals suspected to have been extracted illegally from Yalo community, also in Alkaleri LGA. The police inspector was believed to have been on illegal escort duty for the truck.

The report notes that the reasons behind the truck driver’s initial refusal to stop, the decision of a trained police officer to open fire on soldiers after interception, and the driver’s subsequent escape remain highly suspicious.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police has reportedly met with Brig.-Gen. U.J. Simon, Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, to ease tensions and ensure the incident is handled appropriately.