Police Officer Arrested Over the Death of Soldier Following a Fatal Shooting in Bauchi State
- A police officer has been arrested following the fatal shooting of a soldier in Futuk, Bauchi State, amid a tense dispute over a truck linked to alleged illegal mining
- The incident, which unfolded near a checkpoint manned by troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, has prompted a joint investigation by the Nigerian Army and Police
- Local officials and residents have raised concerns over growing security compromises and the involvement of operatives in unlawful mining activities
A police officer has been arrested following the fatal shooting of a soldier in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, an incident that has sparked concern over inter-agency conflict and alleged illegal mining activities.
The acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 33 Artillery Brigade, Atang Hallet Solomon, confirmed the arrest to reporters, stating that the officer accused of shooting the soldier has been taken into custody.
Source: Facebook
He added that the matter is under joint investigation by the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Army.
Solomon said discussions between the two security agencies were ongoing to ensure a comprehensive inquiry and to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Truck linked to chinese mining firm Local hunters and vigilantes in Futuk reported that the incident stemmed from a dispute over a truck allegedly owned by a Chinese mining company.
The vehicle, reportedly loaded with minerals from the Yalo mining site, was intercepted on Monday evening shortly after Maghrib prayers.
Eyewitnesses said troops from the 33 Artillery Brigade had ordered the truck driver—whose vehicle bore registration number Gombe 676 BLG—to halt at a checkpoint. When the driver refused, soldiers pursued and intercepted the truck near a bridge.
According to one witness, who requested anonymity, a scuffle broke out between the commanding officer of the soldiers and a Mobile Police (MOPOL) officer escorting the truck. During the altercation, the policeman allegedly raised his rifle and shot the army officer in the back.
Community panic and arrests follow shooting
Residents of Futuk described scenes of panic as traders and shopkeepers swiftly closed their businesses, fearing a violent outbreak. In the confusion, the truck driver reportedly fled the scene.
Senior officials from Alkaleri Local Government commended the soldiers for their restraint, noting that rather than retaliating, they disarmed and arrested both the driver and the MOPOL officer. The suspects were subsequently transferred to Bauchi for further action.
The wounded soldier was rushed to a hospital in Gombe but later succumbed to his injuries. His remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue, with burial preparations underway in accordance with military tradition.
Source: UGC
Police deny shooting former presidential candidate
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Federal Capital Territory Police (FCT) command has dismissed claims that one of its officers shot a teargas canister at Omoyele Sowore on Monday, May 31. Sowore had claimed that he was injured by a tear gas canister during a protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
He disclosed the incident on his Twitter handle, saying he is not afraid of losing his life in the struggle.
Source: Legit.ng
