A violent confrontation between personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army in Bauchi State has resulted in the death of a police constable, sparking fresh outrage over recurring clashes between the country’s security agencies.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on Saturday by its spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, who identified the deceased officer as Constable Ukasha Muhammed.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on October 10, 2025, in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis during a routine patrol led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila.
Wakil explained that the patrol team had received a distress call reporting an assault on one of its members, Constable Muhammed, by two unidentified individuals in front of Padimo Hotel. The team responded immediately, arresting one suspect while the other escaped.
The arrested suspect was later identified as Private Usman Mubarak (23NA/84/5346), a soldier attached to Operation Safe Haven, a joint task force based in Jos, Plateau State.
The confrontation reportedly escalated when 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 uniforms. They allegedly opened fire on the police team, fatally shooting Constable Muhammed in the chest before fleeing.
The injured officer was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue.
SP Wakil said that the police have taken the detained soldier into custody and launched a full-scale homicide investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has set up a team of seasoned homicide detectives to conduct a thorough and timely investigation to ensure justice is served,” Wakil stated.
He called for calm among police officers and appealed for restraint pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Commissioner also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for divine comfort and the peaceful repose of his soul.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may Aljannatul Firdausi be his final abode,” the statement added.
The Bauchi incident adds to the growing list of confrontations between Nigeria’s armed forces and the police, raising renewed calls for better coordination and discipline among security operatives.
