The Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of a soldier by a police officer attached to a mining company at a checkpoint in Futuk community, Alkaleri Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The incident, which occurred on August 25, 2025, has raised concerns about security operations and protocols involving law enforcement personnel and military officers working alongside private companies in the resource-rich region.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, addressed journalists on Friday to provide clarity on the situation. He said the Commissioner of Police, Sani Aliyu Omolori, has called for calm while security agencies jointly investigate the matter.
According to a widely circulated report by an online news platform, the late soldier, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna of the 33 Artillery Brigade, was fatally shot during an operation to stop a truck suspected of carrying illegally mined minerals.
The report said the truck, registered as Gombe 676-BLG, refused to stop when signaled at a checkpoint, prompting MWO Haruna and his team to pursue the vehicle. Upon interception, Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, a mobile policeman on duty at the checkpoint, allegedly opened fire on Haruna, shooting him in the stomach.
Haruna was reportedly rushed to Gombe Specialist Hospital for emergency treatment but later died from his injuries.
However, SP Wakil described the online report as “misleading” and provided additional details to set the record straight.
He explained that early findings showed the truck belonged to Guruje Mining Company Limited and ZURFI Company Limited, both licensed operators with valid permits to mine lead and zinc deposits in Gwana, within Alkaleri LGA.
Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, according to Wakil, was officially assigned to provide security for the staff and operations of these mining companies. The police spokesman suggested that the shooting was not a straightforward case of unlawful action but something that requires detailed examination.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Bauchi Police Command has formed a joint investigation team with the Nigerian Army Military Police. The team will work to uncover the true circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine whether proper procedures were followed.
“The investigation will be thorough, professional, and aimed at ensuring justice,” Wakil assured the public, adding that both security agencies were cooperating closely to resolve the matter.
The incident happened in a part of Bauchi State known for its rich mineral deposits, including lead and zinc. Mining companies operate in the area under licenses issued by the government. Due to the presence of valuable minerals, the area has witnessed challenges such as illegal mining and security concerns.
In many parts of Nigeria, the collaboration between security forces and private companies is common, especially in high-risk zones like mining areas and oil fields. Police officers are often assigned to protect company assets, employees, and operations. Meanwhile, military personnel sometimes assist in maintaining law and order.
However, such arrangements can sometimes lead to conflicts or misunderstandings, especially during enforcement operations like stopping suspicious vehicles or checking for illegal activities.
The death of MWO Ali Haruna has sparked reactions from the public and security watchers who are calling for a transparent investigation to ensure justice is served and to prevent future incidents.
In his statement, SP Wakil appealed to residents and the wider public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference or speculation.
He highlighted that the police and military are working hand-in-hand to ensure that the truth is uncovered and that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable under the law.
He further urged all stakeholders, including the mining companies, local communities, and security agencies, to cooperate with investigators to bring clarity to the case.
The joint investigative team will likely interview witnesses, examine forensic evidence, and review operational protocols related to security in the mining areas. Their findings will help determine the exact sequence of events that led to the shooting.
This incident highlights the complex security dynamics in Nigeria’s mineral-rich regions and the need for clear rules of engagement when security forces operate alongside private sector actors.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi Police Command has assured the public that normalcy has been restored in the area, and efforts are ongoing to maintain peace and security.
