Police DPO Shot Dead After Evading Military Checkpoint In Sokoto Axis, Found With Two AK-47 Rifles

By: Zagazola Makama

On August 28, 2024, at approximately 10:15 AM, troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Dan Marke, while on checkpoint duty, intercepted a vehicle suspected of being involved in terrorist logistics, traveling from the Sokoto axis.

It was gathered that despite being signaled to stop, the driver resisted and bypassed the checkpoint, prompting the troops to pursue the vehicle.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, that the troops alerted the community of Zugu to block the vehicle’s path.

However, the driver continued to evade capture. Upon the troops’ arrival at Zugu, the driver attempted to escape on foot. In the process of immobilizing the vehicle, the driver was shot.

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Deceased Driver Identified as Police Personnel
Further investigation by Team 12 Command revealed that the deceased driver was SP Liman Haliru, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danko-Wasagu. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two AK-47 rifles, which had been expertly wrapped and concealed.

Other items found in the vehicle included the driver’s personal identification card, ATM cards, a personal phone, and a sum of N13,300. These items are now in the possession of the unit.

It was further discovered that the deceased was transporting six passengers in the vehicle, comprising three males and three females. The passengers and the vehicle were subsequently moved to Team 12 Headquarters for further investigation.

The body of SP Liman Haliru was evacuated and deposited at the morgue of Gummi General Hospital. It was later released to ASP Musa Michael, Officer in Charge of Surveillance in Gummi, representing the Commissioner of Police for Zamfara State.

The body was then handed over to the deceased’s younger brother, Barrister Hamza Liman, Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission in Sokoto, for onward transportation to Sokoto for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The passengers who were in the vehicle were vetted, and their phone call histories were reviewed. Following this, they were released to Alhaji Saleh S Pawa, the PDP Chairman of Gummi, who assured authorities that the passengers would be made available for further investigation if required.

Controversy Over Arms Transfer
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, claimed that the late police officer was on an official assignment to transfer the two AK-47 rifles from Zamfara to Kebbi State.

However, questions have been raised regarding the procedure followed for such an arms transfer. Critics have pointed out that standard protocol for the transfer of arms does not align with the officer’s actions of evading a military checkpoint.

Additionally, there has been no confirmation of the serial numbers of the rifles by the police, raising further suspicions.

Authorities have promised a thorough investigation to uncover the full details of the incident.