By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has stated that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a soldier in Bauchi State.
Recall that it was reported in the media that a police officer allegedly killed a soldier in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
According to reports, a Guard Commander with the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, stopped a truck suspected of conveying illegal mining materials on August 25, 2025
It was reported that the truck driver refused to comply, prompting the Guard Commander, Warrant Officer Haruna, to pursue the vehicle with his team on motorbikes until they managed to intercept it.
Upon stopping the truck, Inspector Ibrahim was said to have exited his vehicle and opened fire on the Guard Commander, allegedly striking him in the abdomen.
The injured officer was reportedly transported to the Gombe Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention, but tragically did not survive the gunshot wound.
The State Police Public Relations Officer,CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil while addressing Journalists over development at the police Headquarters Bauchi, said that following an in-depth analysis of reports and articles disseminated by a social media blogger, Zagazola Makama, the Nigeria Police Force, Bauchi State Command, asserts that the blogger’s coverage was misleading, misrepresents the facts of the incident, and fails to accurately portray what actually transpired.
He said that according to the report, a member of the Nigerian Army attached to 33 Artillery Brigade was fatally shot while attempting to intercept a truck suspected of transporting solid minerals from an illegal mining site in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State by a mobile police Inspector on illegal duty.
“The incident occurred on August 25 at about 7:50 p.m. when personnel from the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, purportedly stopped a truck with the registration number Gombe 676-BLG at a checkpoint in Futuk village. The report further added that the truck driver refused to comply, prompting the Guard Commander, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna, now deceased, to pursue the vehicle with his team on motorbikes until they managed to intercept it”
“That upon stopping the truck, Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, a mobile police officer, exited his vehicle and opened fire on the Guard Commander, striking him in the Abdomen”
“Subsequently, the soldiers at the scene overpowered the policeman and disarmed him. The injured officer was transported to the Gombe Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention, but tragically succumbed to the gunshot wound”
“Preliminary investigations, however, revealed that the truck is associated with Guruje Mining Company Limited and ZURFI Company Limited, which possess valid legal licenses in Gwana, Alkaleri LGA. This authorisation pertains to the extraction of lead and zinc minerals, which was obtained from the Mining Cadastre Office, Federal Republic of Nigeria, effective 12th May 2023. These companies have complied with all mining operational protocols of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and possess a certificate of incorporation pursuant to the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 2020”
“The mobile police officers attached to these companies were formally requested and approved to provide security for the safety of expatriate workers and fulfil other security responsibilities associated with the company. Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim was among those assigned to this duty”
“The company successfully extracted a substantial quantity of lead and zinc minerals, which were proposed for export, and relevant fees as revenue paid to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, referenced by RRR code 3212-7561-4841”
“The Bauchi state Police command has constituted a dedicated investigation team of experienced detectives in collaboration with the Nigerian Army military police (MP), which has been tasked with collecting and assessing all relevant information surrounding this unfortunate incident’s remote and immediate causes. These investigators will adhere to all professional standards and diligent processes to establish a reliable, evidence-based investigation, dispel uncertainties, and guarantee that justice is achieved by meticulously examining all the facts”
“The command, therefore, calls on media practitioners not to relent in their firm commitments and dedication to ensuring global best practices of ethical investigative journalism, which is aimed at seeking the truth and establishing national cohesion and patriotism in our great nation, Nigeria”
“Ordinarily, the command would have overlooked this issue, but it has become expedient to set the record straight, as a life has been lost and some members of the public are being misled by a section of the media, a narrative which tends to undermine the collaborative synergy amongst security agencies operating in the state”
“The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu and the entire officers and men extend our deepest condolences to the Commander 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, and to the family and loved ones of the deceased officer. May Almighty Allah guide the family and give them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss, even as we offer prayers for their comfort during this difficult time” CSP Wakil said
He said that the Command will maintain high professional standards, accountability, and justice, calling on members of the public to disregard this misinformation and always verify information through official channels.