Joint Investigation Launched After Soldier’s Death in Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has launched a joint investigation with the Nigerian Army Military Police into the death of Warrant Officer Ali Haruna, a Guard Commander allegedly shot by a police officer, Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, at a checkpoint in Futuk village, Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on August 25 and has led to a coordinated probe to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy.
According to a statement from Police Public Relations Officer Ahmed Wakil, the incident began when personnel from the 33 Artillery Brigade in Bauchi attempted to stop a truck suspected of carrying illegal mining materials.
The driver’s failure to comply prompted Warrant Officer Haruna and his team to pursue the vehicle on motorbikes. Upon intercepting the truck, Inspector Ibrahim, who was attached to a mining company, allegedly exited his vehicle and shot the Guard Commander in the abdomen.
Warrant Officer Haruna was rushed to Gombe Specialist Hospital for urgent medical treatment but sadly died from his injuries.
In his statement, Wakil described initial online accounts of the incident as “misleading” and “misrepresenting the facts.” He clarified that preliminary investigations show the truck belonged to Guruje Mining Company Limited and ZURFI Company Limited, both of which hold valid licenses to extract lead and zinc minerals in the area and have complied with all relevant mining protocols.
The police further explained that mobile police officers, including Inspector Ibrahim, were formally assigned to provide security for the mining firms and their operations.
The companies had successfully extracted a significant quantity of minerals, with all required fees paid to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
The Bauchi Police Command has established a dedicated team of detectives to collaborate with the Nigerian Army Military Police. This team is tasked with “meticulously examining all the facts” to uncover the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The command assured the public that the investigation would be evidence-based and professionally handled to ensure justice is served.
Police Commissioner Sani-Omolori Aliyu expressed his deepest condolences to the Nigerian Army, the Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, and the family of the deceased officer.
He also cautioned against sensational reporting, urging bloggers and news outlets to “desist from narratives which tend to undermine the collaborative synergy amongst security agencies operating in the state.”
The command has called on the public to rely only on official channels for accurate updates as the investigation progresses.
