Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Adamawa State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the alleged shooting of a businessman by military personnel in the Mubi North Local Government Area, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and protests from residents demanding accountability. The command's spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, that the incident was reported to the police on Monday, August 3, 2026, by one Muslim Abubakar of Yelwa Ward, Mubi North. According to the police, Abubakar alleged that his younger brother, Suleiman Abubakar, sustained a gunshot wound during an encounter with military personnel on the night of Sunday, August 2, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m.
According to eyewitness accounts and reports from Daily Trust, the victim, identified as Suleiman Abu, was riding an electric motorcycle when he noticed soldiers on patrol in the area. Fearing arrest because of the existing restriction on motorcycle movement between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., he reportedly made a U-turn and headed home before the curfew took effect. Witnesses alleged that after Abu parked his motorcycle and attempted to lock the gate to his residence, a soldier who had followed him opened fire at close range. The bullet reportedly grazed his shoulder before hitting his lower jaw, leaving him with severe injuries. An eyewitness told Daily Trust that neighbours rushed out after hearing the gunshot and apprehended the soldier. The soldier was, however, later released following the intervention of his superiors and community elders.
The police confirmed that upon receipt of the report, operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Mubi North Division immediately visited the scene and ensured that the victim received prompt medical attention. The victim was initially taken to a medical facility in Mubi for treatment before being referred to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola for further treatment. The Commissioner of Police for the Adamawa State Command, CP Kabiru Hassan, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The police said the investigation would seek to establish what happened during the reported encounter and determine the circumstances that led to the businessman sustaining the gunshot injury. The command has also established contact with the relevant military authorities to ensure the necessary cooperation and support during the investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and protests in Mubi town, with residents demanding justice and accountability. A resident, Abubakar Sadeeq Lamorde, said that even if the businessman had violated the motorcycle restriction, he should have been arrested and processed in line with the law rather than being shot. Another resident, Danladi Dechamba, described the incident as tragic, saying Mubi residents had endured years of insurgency and continued to cooperate with security agencies in the interest of peace. He said security personnel must exercise restraint while carrying out their duties, adding that a soldier who pursues an unarmed civilian into his home and shoots him undermines the trust between the military and the community. Residents staged a peaceful protest over the alleged shooting, marching through major streets carrying placards and demanding justice for the victim. They later proceeded to the Emir's Palace in Mubi to register their grievances. Receiving the protesters on behalf of the Emir of Mubi, the Sadaukin Mubi assured them that the emirate would pursue the matter with the relevant authorities until justice is served.
A team of lawyers led by Barrister M.A. Luguja has also visited the victim at the hospital and pledged to provide free legal representation, stating that they would petition the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army Headquarters, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant authorities. The lawyers have indicated that they will file a fundamental rights enforcement suit alleging violations of the victim's rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and private and family life as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. The incident comes amid growing concerns over alleged cases of excessive use of force by security personnel in parts of the country, particularly in the North-East, where communities have endured years of insurgency and have repeatedly called for greater accountability and professionalism from security forces.
Efforts to speak with the Commander of Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai were unsuccessful, as he was said to be attending an official meeting, while the spokesman of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, told Daily Trust that he was not in a position to comment on the incident, stating that only the military headquarters in Abuja could respond. As the investigation continues, the Adamawa State Police Command has appealed to members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that the investigation will be conducted professionally and transparently. The command has also urged anyone with useful information that may assist the investigation to come forward to the nearest police station or contact the Police Public Relations Office.
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