Soldier killed by police inspector during interception of suspected illegal mining truck

A tragic incident has unfolded in Bauchi State, where a soldier of the Nigerian Army was reportedly shot dead by a mobile police inspector during an operation to intercept a truck suspected of transporting solid minerals from an illegal mining site.

The clash occurred on August 25 at about 7:50 p.m. in Futuk, a community in Alkaleri Local Government Area, according to counter-insurgency reporter Zagazola Makama.

Troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, had flagged down a truck with registration number Gombe 676 BLG at a checkpoint in Futuk village. However, the driver allegedly ignored the soldiers’ order to stop, prompting Guard Commander Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna to lead a chase on motorbikes with his men until the vehicle was eventually intercepted.

The soldiers immediately overpowered the policeman and disarmed him, while the injured officer was rushed to the Gombe Specialist Hospital for urgent medical treatment. 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 reasons behind the refusal of the vehicle to stop at the checkpoint, the decision of a trained police officer to open fire on soldiers after interception, and the escape of the driver remain highly suspicious. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances behind the incident,” the sources stated.

The sources added that the involvement of security personnel in illegal mining operations remained a disturbing trend, stressing that the incident spotlight the need for urgent and independent investigations to address compromises within the security system.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police has interfaced with the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. U.J. Simon, to calm tensions and ensure proper handling of the case.

Our correspondent learnt that the remains of the slain officer have been deposited at the hospital morgue while arrangements are ongoing for his burial in line with military tradition.

The suspect, Inspector Ibrahim, is currently in army custody, while the intercepted truck has been impounded for further investigation.

Source: Platinumpost.ng | Read Full Story…