The long-suspected involvement of security agents in illegal mining activities came sharply into focus in Bauchi State this week, following the arrest of a member of the Nigeria Police Force for the fatal shooting of a Nigerian Army officer in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Illegal mining operations, often allegedly backed by rogue security personnel, have been reported across several Nigerian communities. Some operations are reportedly run by foreign nationals, especially the Chinese, in collaboration with local actors.
Even the Federal Capital Territory has not been spared. In Abuja’s Gwagwalada area, two illegal gold mining sites were recently shut down. On Wednesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, directed mining marshals to seal another illegal goldmine—the second such closure in as many weeks.
A statement from the minister’s office explained:
“Following reports of illegal gold mining in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed the mining marshals to seal off the site to mitigate potential environmental hazards.”
The mine reportedly emerged after gold was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property, prompting an influx of artisanal miners to the area.
Minister Alake has since urged residents to avoid the affected zone, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining. He also announced plans to deploy satellite surveillance to monitor mining sites and strengthen enforcement efforts nationwide.
Fatal Clash in Bauchi
Tensions spiked in Bauchi on Monday evening after a confrontation between Nigerian soldiers and a police officer ended in the shooting death of a military personnel.
According to preliminary reports from local hunters and vigilante members, the incident began when soldiers from the 33 Artillery Brigade attempted to stop a truck believed to be transporting minerals from the Yalo mining site. The truck—allegedly operated by a Chinese-owned mining company—reportedly ignored a military checkpoint.
The soldiers pursued the vehicle and eventually intercepted it near a bridge. Eyewitnesses say a heated exchange broke out between the commanding army officer and a Mobile Police (MOPOL) officer who was allegedly providing unauthorized escort for the truck.
“During the argument, the policeman lifted his weapon and shot the soldier in the back,” one witness recounted.
Panic quickly spread throughout Futuk. Shops closed, and residents fled, fearing retaliation or further violence. Amid the chaos, the truck driver reportedly escaped the scene.
In a show of discipline, the soldiers restrained from retaliating. Instead, they disarmed the police officer and detained both him and the fleeing driver—who was later apprehended. Both were handed over to authorities in Bauchi for further investigation.
The wounded soldier was rushed to a hospital in Gombe but succumbed to his injuries. His remains have been deposited in the morgue, with military burial preparations now underway.
Joint Investigation Underway
The Nigerian Army and Police have launched a joint investigation into the incident. Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 33 Artillery Brigade, Atang Hallet Solomon, confirmed the arrest.
“This matter is under a joint investigation by both the Army and the Police,” Hallet said. “Deliberations between both agencies are ongoing to ensure a comprehensive inquiry and to prevent any form of escalation.”
The impounded truck remains in custody, and questions continue to swirl around its cargo and purpose.
Local security volunteers allege that the minerals being transported were illegally mined and expressed suspicion over the police officer’s role in the escort. They have called for a transparent investigation, citing the officer’s drastic use of force, the truck’s refusal to stop, and the driver’s initial flight as red flags.
As the country steps up its fight against illegal mining, this deadly incident highlights the complex intersection of security, corruption, and resource exploitation—and the urgent need for systemic reform.
