A violent clash between soldiers and police officers on Monday caused panic among traders and residents at a popular market in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The confrontation, which took place at the GSM Centre in the Hamaz area along Ahmadu Bello Way, left at least two soldiers and two police officers involved in a physical fight, raising concerns about growing tension between security agencies in the country.
The incident, which quickly spread across social media platforms, heightened fear among residents who initially thought the fight could escalate into a major security crisis. According to eyewitness accounts shared online, the altercation reportedly began as a simple disagreement between a soldier and a roadside phone repairer.
A Facebook user, Bello Lukman, who claimed to have witnessed the event, said the soldier had taken his phone to the trader for repairs. However, things allegedly went wrong when the trader mistakenly damaged the device instead of fixing it. Lukman wrote that the soldier became angry and attempted to arrest the trader on the spot.
A police officer nearby was said to have stepped in and advised that the matter should be resolved at the nearest police station instead of through force. The suggestion reportedly did not go down well with the soldier, who then called his colleagues for reinforcement.
According to Lukman’s posts, a group of soldiers arrived in a Hilux van, confronted the police officer who intervened, beat him up, injured him, and allegedly took away his rifle. The situation created tension in the crowded market as traders closed their shops and ran for safety, fearing the clash could turn deadly. Lukman also claimed that the policeman had earlier cocked his gun, a move that could have resulted in a major crisis if shots had been fired.
Traders later rushed to contact other security agencies to calm the situation and prevent the fight from escalating into what many feared could become a larger confrontation between the two security bodies. Some residents described the moment as tense and frightening, especially considering similar clashes that have occurred in other parts of the country in past years.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the clash and said it took place on December 1, 2025. In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Alabo Alfred, the police assured the public that the matter had been addressed and brought under control.
“The Plateau State Police Command is aware of the recent altercation between police officers and military personnel that occurred on December 1, 2025, at Hamaz, Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos,” Alfred stated.
He said the incident was taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. According to him, officers from both the police and the military who took part in what he described as a “disgraceful act” have been sanctioned by their respective agencies. He, however, did not disclose the specific disciplinary measures taken.
Alfred further assured the public that the misunderstanding has been resolved and that steps have been put in place to prevent a repeat of such an incident. “The misunderstanding between personnel of the two responsible security agencies has been properly addressed, and measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
He urged residents of Plateau State to remain calm and continue with their normal activities, assuring them that security agencies are working together to maintain peace.
The clash in Jos has once again brought attention to the recurring issue of rivalry and mistrust among Nigeria’s security agencies. Over the years, there have been several incidents of confrontation between the police and the military, often sparked by disagreements during joint operations, traffic stops, or attempts to enforce laws.
In some cases, these clashes have resulted in injuries and even deaths. Security experts believe that poor communication, lack of coordination, and competition over authority are some of the major factors behind the frequent tension between the two agencies.
In Plateau State, which has experienced long periods of violence and insecurity due to farmer-herder clashes and attacks by armed groups, cooperation among security personnel is critical. Many residents expressed concern that such confrontations, if not properly addressed, could weaken public trust in security institutions and affect ongoing peace efforts in the state.
Traders at the GSM Centre described the clash as shocking and unnecessary. Many of them closed their shops minutes after the fight began, fearing they could be caught in the middle if the situation escalated. A phone accessories seller who witnessed the incident said he was still shaken hours after the confrontation.
“We were all afraid because when soldiers and police are fighting, anything can happen,” he said. “Customers ran away, traders locked their shops, and people were just screaming everywhere.”
Another trader said the presence of guns made the situation even more dangerous. “We thank God that nobody fired a shot. If one bullet had gone off, the whole place would have scattered,” she said.
Residents who live around the Hamaz area also expressed worry that security personnel who are supposed to protect them could engage in such public confrontations.
Human rights groups and civil society organisations have also reacted, calling for higher levels of professionalism among uniformed personnel. Many argue that while disagreements may occur, they must never be allowed to turn violent, especially in public places.
They also encouraged the government to strengthen oversight and discipline within security agencies to ensure that officers who engage in misconduct are held accountable.
Following the clash, authorities in Plateau State have promised that the police and military will continue to work together to maintain peace. Residents are hoping that both agencies will learn from the incident and improve their working relationship.
