Police Officer Detained For Killing Soldier In Bauchi

A POLICE officer has been arrested and taken into custody in Bauchi State for the allegedly shooting a soldier to death in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Council.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Monday evening, August 25, elicited tension in the community, prompting a swift joint investigation by the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 33 Artillery Brigade, Atang Hallet Solomon, who confirmed the development, disclosed that the Police officer had been taken into custody.
Solomon told Daily Trust: “The case is currently under joint investigation by the Police and the Army. Discussions are ongoing between the two agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and to prevent escalation.”
Local hunters and vigilantes in Futuk told journalists that the clash stemmed from a dispute involving a truck allegedly linked to a Chinese mining company.
The truck, reportedly loaded with minerals from the Yalo mining site, was intercepted after its driver ignored an order to stop at a military checkpoint, mounted by soldiers from the 33 Artillery Brigade, who pursued and stopped it near a bridge.
It was gathered that a heated argument ensued between the Commanding Officer (CO) of the soldiers and a Mobile Police (MOPOL) officer assigned to escort the truck, and “during the altercation, the policeman raised his rifle and shot the army officer in the back.”
It was further leant that the shooting led to confusion and panic in Futuk, with traders hurriedly closing shops for fear of reprisals, while the truck driver reportedly fled the scene in the confusion.
Local government officials, however, commended the soldiers for showing restraint, as instead of retaliating, they simply disarmed the Police officer, arrested both him and the fleeing driver before transferring them to Bauchi for further action.
The wounded soldier was rushed to a hospital in Gombe, but later died from his injuries and his remains have been deposited in the morgue, with burial arrangements scheduled, in line with military tradition.
The Police officer remained in custody, while the impounded truck was impounded as evidence/exhibit.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omoloro Aliyu, met with the Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig-Gen. U.J. Simon, to douse tension and ensure the matter is handled without inter-agency conflict.