Tragedy in Bauchi: One Dead as Soldiers, Police Clash in Late-Night Faceoff

 🔴 Tragedy in Bauchi: One Dead as Soldiers, Police Clash in Late-Night Faceoff

Bauchi, Nigeria — A tragic confrontation between soldiers and police officers in Bauchi State turned deadly late Thursday night, leaving one police constable dead and heightening tensions between the two security agencies.

The violent clash occurred around 10:35 pm in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis when a police patrol team, led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila, reportedly encountered two men assaulting a constable, Ukasha Muhammed, in front of a hotel.

According to police sources, one of the attackers was identified as Private Usman Mubarak, a soldier attached to Operation Safe Haven, while the second suspect managed to flee the scene. The arrested soldier was taken into custody at the ‘C’ Division Police Station.

Barely 30 minutes later, two other soldiers — Private Yakubu Yahuza and Private Godspower Gabriel — allegedly stormed the scene in retaliation and opened fire on the police team, shooting Constable Ukasha in the chest before fleeing.

The wounded officer was rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where doctors confirmed him dead. His body has since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

Confirming the incident, the Bauchi State Police Command described the attack as “unprovoked and deeply regrettable,” assuring that a joint investigation panel has been set up in collaboration with the military authorities to ensure justice is served.

“We have already arrested one suspect while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing soldiers involved. Calm has been restored, and full investigation is underway,” a police spokesperson said.

The Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement as of press time, but sources within the barracks said the military is also conducting an internal inquiry to prevent further escalation.

This incident comes just weeks after a similar confrontation in Bauchi’s Alkaleri area, where a soldier was reportedly shot by a mobile police officer during a joint operation — underscoring the rising tension between security forces in the state.