Army Reacts as Soldier Kills Police Officer in Lagos

The Nigeria Army has confirmed the killing of a police officer by a soldier.

The incident, the army said happened in Lagos.

Recall that soldiers attached to the Ojo Cantonment Barracks, led by a yet-to-be-identified colleague who was accosted for driving against the traffic around Volks Bus Stop, along the Ojo Iyana Iba Road area of Lagos State, had reportedly stabbed a policeman, Saka Ganiyu, to death.

Reacting to the incident in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division, the Nigerian Army said, “81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on 9 October 2024 involving a soldier and a policeman following an altercation related to an alleged traffic rule violation.

“The soldier suspected to have committed the offence has since been apprehended and handed over to the Military Police for investigation and further disciplinary procedures.

“The incident is highly regrettable, given the Division’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement. The Nigerian Army has continuously sensitized its personnel not to engage in activities that would tarnish its image and bridge the trust with other security agencies as well as the civil populace.

“The General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA commiserates with the family of the deceased and the Nigeria Police on this unfortunate incident.

“The Division reassures the general public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to ensure that justice is served.

“We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property in line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army.”