Bauchi: Police probe alleged killing of constable by soldier

Bauchi Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of a police constable, Ukasha Muhammed (F/No. 533164), by a soldier attached to the Special Task Force (STF), Operation Safe Haven, Jos, Plateau.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Tudun Wadan Dan Iya, popularly known as Bayan Gari, a busy social area in Bauchi metropolis.

Eyewitnesses said the altercation began around 9 p.m. when a police patrol team stopped to conduct routine searches of vehicles and motorcycles in the area. One of the individuals reportedly resisted and obstructed the officers, sparking a brief commotion before leaving the scene.

According to the source, the man — later identified as a soldier — returned about an hour later with two colleagues and allegedly shot Constable Ukasha in the chest. The assailants reportedly attempted to flee but were restrained by bystanders until police reinforcement arrived.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, said the command received a distress report at about 10:35 p.m., detailing an assault on a patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila in the Bayan Gari area.

“The patrol team encountered an assault on one of its members, Constable Ukasha Muhammed, by two individuals in front of Padimo Hotel. The remaining members of the team responded swiftly, resulting in the apprehension of one suspect, while the other escaped the scene,” the statement read.

Wakil identified the first suspect as Private Usman Mubarak (23NA/84/5346), attached to Operation Safe Haven, Jos.

He added that, around 11:05 p.m., 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, before allegedly shooting Constable Ukasha in the chest.

The injured officer was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue.

The statement confirmed that the two soldiers, Yakubu Yahuza and Godspower Gabriel, have been arrested and are in police custody.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a comprehensive homicide investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure justice is served.

“A team of seasoned detectives has been constituted to conduct a professional and thorough investigation to clear all doubts and ensure justice through a meticulous process,” Wakil added.

The Commissioner also condoled with the family of the deceased officer, praying for the repose of his soul and strength for his loved ones to bear the loss.