- A police patrol team in Bauchi clashed with soldiers, resulting in the death of Constable Ukasha Muhammed.
- The soldiers involved in the Bauchi clash allegedly opened fire on the police.
- Bauchi Police Command confirmed that the soldiers responsible for the officer’s death are now in custody.
- The incident adds to growing concerns over recurring clashes between security agencies in Nigeria.
Panic swept through the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis late Friday night after a violent confrontation between police patrol officers and soldiers attached to Operation Safe Haven, Jos, left one police officer dead.
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According to a statement released on Saturday by the Bauchi State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Wakil, the incident occurred around 10:35 p.m. and was described as a “serious occurrence.”
Wakil explained that a patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila was conducting its regular night operation when one of its members, Constable Ukasha Muhammed, was attacked by two men in front of a hotel. The team quickly intervened, arresting one of the attackers while the second suspect fled the scene.
“The arrested suspect was later identified as Private Usman Mubarak (23NA/84/5346), attached to the Special Task Force Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State,” Wakil said.
He added that not long after the arrest, two other soldiers, Private Yakubu Yahuza (23NA/85/10185) and Private Godspower Gabriel (23NA/84/5654) arrived at the scene armed and partially dressed in military uniform. The duo allegedly fired directly at Constable Muhammed, hitting him in the chest before escaping.
The injured officer was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited in the hospital mortuary, while the arrested soldiers are currently in police custody.
Wakil said that the Commissioner of Police has set up a special investigative team to ensure that the matter is properly handled and justice is served.
He also called for calm, assuring residents that the situation was under control and that all efforts are being made to prevent further tension.
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This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Bauchi. In August, a police officer escorting a mining company was reported to have shot and killed a soldier at a checkpoint in the Alkaleri area of the state. The case, according to the police, remains under investigation.
