A violent clash between soldiers of Operation Safe Haven, Jos, Plateau State, and police officers on patrol in Bauchi has left a police constable dead.
The incident occurred on Friday night at the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis when the soldiers allegedly opened fire on a police patrol team following an altercation.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday through its spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Wakil, who described the event as “unfortunate and deeply regrettable.”
According to Wakil, the command received a report around 10:35 p.m. that a patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila was attacked while on routine duty. “The patrol team encountered an assault on one of its members, Constable Ukasha Muhammed (F/No 533164), by two individuals in front of a hotel,” he said. “The team responded promptly and arrested one suspect, while the other fled.”
The arrested suspect was later identified as Private Usman Mubarak (23NA/84/5346), a soldier attached to Operation Safe Haven in Jos. Wakil said that about 11:05 p.m., two other soldiers—Private Yakubu Yahuza (23NA/85/10185) and Private Godspower Gabriel (23NA/84/5654)—arrived at the scene, partially dressed in military uniforms and armed with rifles.
“They approached the patrol team and fatally shot Constable Ukasha Muhammed in the left side of his chest before fleeing the area,” the police spokesperson added.
The injured officer was rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.
Wakil further disclosed that both Private Yahuza and Private Gabriel have been arrested and are currently in police custody. He added that the command has set up a special homicide investigation team to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and ensure justice is served.
“The Command has constituted a team of seasoned homicide detectives to establish evidence, clear all doubts, and ensure that justice is delivered through a meticulous investigative process,” he stated.
This is not the first clash between security agencies in Bauchi. In August 2025, a police officer escorting a mining company reportedly shot a soldier at a checkpoint in the Alkaleri area of the state. The Police Command said investigations into that case are still ongoing.
