At least two soldiers and two police officers exchanged blows at a popular mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos, Plateau State capital, on Monday.

Although the reason for the altercation is yet to be disclosed, a social media user said trouble started after a policeman prevented an aggrieved soldier from arresting a trader.

Bello Lukman, the social media user, shared a post on the incident on his Facebook wall.

“A policeman was beaten and disarmed yesterday at the GSM centre in Hamaz area of Jos, the Plateau state capital. Eyewitness report indicate that the soldiers had a problem with a road side phone dealer. The soldier was angry 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 Police in the area were consequently withdrawn, with the traders making frantic effort to engage other security agents to help secure the area. A bloodbath was therefore averted as the policeman also corked his gun.”

Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Alabo Alfred, disclosed that the situation had been brought under control and called on residents to go about their normal businesses.

In a statement, SP Alfred 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,” the statement added (Daily Trust, but headline rejigged)

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