Pix: Bauchi Police Command PPRO Ahmed Wakil 

The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the commencement of a joint investigation with the Nigerian Army Military Police into the killing of a Guard Commander, Warrant Officer Ali Haruna, allegedly shot by a police inspector at a checkpoint in Futuk village, Alkaleri Local Government Area.

According to reports, the incident occurred on August 25 after personnel of the 33 Artillery Brigade intercepted a truck suspected of transporting illegal mining materials. The truck driver allegedly refused to stop, prompting Warrant Officer Haruna and his team to give chase on motorcycles until the vehicle was eventually halted.

Eyewitnesses claimed that Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, said to be attached to the site, opened fire on the Guard Commander, hitting him in the abdomen. Haruna was rushed to the Gombe Specialist Hospital but later died from the injuries.

In a statement on Friday, Bauchi police spokesperson Ahmed Wakil dismissed circulating online reports as misleading and inaccurate. He explained that the truck in question belonged to Guruje Mining Company Limited and ZURFI Company Limited, both of which are licensed operators with valid permits under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007.

The police further clarified that mobile police personnel had been formally deployed to the firms to safeguard their expatriate staff and operations. Inspector Ibrahim, alleged to have fired the shot, was one of the officers deployed for that assignment.

Wakil disclosed that a special team of detectives, working with the Army’s Military Police, has been mandated to investigate the incident thoroughly. He assured that the probe would follow due process to ensure accountability and justice.

While warning against sensational reports capable of straining inter-agency cooperation, the command expressed condolences to the 33 Artillery Brigade and the family of the deceased officer.

Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu described the incident as a “tragic loss” and urged the public to rely solely on verified updates from security authorities.