A tragic incident has occurred in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, where a Nigerian Army soldier was shot dead by a mobile police inspector during an operation to intercept a truck suspected of transporting solid minerals from an illegal mining site.

The incident happened on Monday, August 25, when troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade stopped a truck with registration number Gombe 676 BLG at a checkpoint in Futuk village.

The truck driver initially refused to stop, prompting the soldiers to pursue the vehicle until it was intercepted.

Upon halting the truck, the mobile police officer, Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, allegedly opened fire on the Guard Commander, Master Warrant Officer Ali Haruna, hitting him in the stomach. The soldiers quickly subdued the policeman and rushed the injured officer to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Preliminary findings suggest that the truck was loaded with solid minerals suspected to have been illegally extracted. The police inspector was believed to have been involved in an illegal escort operation.

The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police has met with the Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade to calm tensions and ensure a thorough investigation. The remains of the slain soldier have been deposited at the hospital morgue, while the suspect remains in army custody. The intercepted truck has been impounded for further investigation.