Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna of the Nigerian Army, who was shot dead by a mobile police inspector in Bauchi State, has been laid to rest amidst tears and grief.

Haruna, until his death, was the Guard Commander at a checkpoint in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area, where he was shot on Aug. 25 while intercepting a truck suspected to be conveying illegally mined solid minerals.

The funeral, conducted In accordance with Islamic rites and military tradition, drew senior army officers, colleagues, family members, and community leaders who gathered to pay their last respects.

The atmosphere was solemn as fellow soldiers carried the remains of the officer, draped in the national flag, to his final resting place. Emotions ran high as mourners described him as a dedicated soldier who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.

Brig.-Gen. U.J. Simon, Commander 33 Artillery Brigade, who led officers to the burial, described Haruna as “a gallant officer whose loyalty and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

He assured that investigations were ongoing to ensure justice was served, adding that the army was working closely with the police to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The suspect, a mobile police inspector identified as Yusuf Ibrahim, is currently in army custody, while the intercepted truck has been impounded for further investigation.

The burial also rekindled concerns over the involvement of security personnel in illegal mining operations in Bauchi and other parts of the country. (Zagazola, excluding headline)