Two officers of the Nigerian police and soldiers exchanged blows at a popular market in Jos, the Plateau State capital, causing tension among traders and residents.
A social media user, Bello Lukman, who shared the incident on his Facebook wall, said the trouble started after a policeman prevented an aggrieved soldier from arresting a trader.
He wrote, “A policeman was beaten and disarmed yesterday at the GSM centre in Hamaz area of Jos, the Plateau state capital. Eyewitness reports indicate that the soldiers had a problem with a road side phone dealer. The soldier was angry that the dealer spoilt instead of repairing his phone. He wanted to arrest him but the policeman prevented the soldier from doing so.
“The police asked him to rather take him to the Police station. The soldier called some of his colleagues who stormed the area in a Hilux. They beat up the police, wounded him and left with his gun. Police in the area were consequently withdrawn, with the traders making frantic efforts to engage other security agents to help secure the area. A bloodbath was therefore averted as the policeman also corked his gun.”
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Alabo Alfred, confirmed that the situation had been brought under control and called on residents to go about their normal businesses.
He said, “The Plateau State Police Command is aware of the recent altercation between police officers and military personnel that occurred on December 1, 2025, at Hamaz, Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos. The incident has been taken seriously and thoroughly investigated, and the security personnel involved in the disgraceful act have been sanctioned accordingly by the management of the respective agencies.
“The misunderstanding between personnel of the two responsible security agencies has been properly addressed, and measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence. The Plateau State Police Command wishes to assure the public that the situation is under control.
“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olubgemiga Adesina, psc, urges members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear or concern. The police are committed to maintaining law and order and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Plateau State.”
Nigeria has recorded many incidents of military men and police violent clashes, with some ending in injuries and death.
The recent one involved the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, when he visited a land that was guarded by some military officers in Abuja. The incident captured on camera saw the soldiers and the policemen engaging in a heated confrontation.
What do you think can be done to stop these continuous clashes between soldiers and policemen in Nigeria? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
