Nigerian Army Reacts As Police Kill Soldier In Lagos

The Nigerian Army has given an update on the incident that led to the killing of one of its gallant soldiers in Lagos State on Wednesday by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force.

Naija News reported earlier that some police officers were accused of stabbing a soldier to death in the Ogijo area of Ikorodu in Lagos.

The incident happened on Wednesday evening and reportedly led to a series of shootings in the area, causing palpable tension among residents.

Reports said policemen took cover at Ogijo Police Station when they discovered the victim was a military officer.

The 81 Division Nigerian Army, however, in a statement issued on Thursday morning through its Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, explained that the victim (soldier) allegedly confronted the suspect (policeman), who was not properly dressed and was standing very close to a patrol vehicle of Operation MESA to confirm his identity.

He said: “This led to an argument and, subsequently, the unfortunate incident. The soldier was immediately rushed to the Lagos State Polytechnic Hospital, Odogunyan, for medical attention, but he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

“The remains of the soldier have been moved to 174 Battalion Medical Centre in Ikorodu,” the army spokesperson explained, adding that the suspect cop was arrested and kept in military custody for his safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria police for prosecution.

“However, the angry mob who witnessed the unfortunate incident took advantage of this and attacked the police station in the community.

“Troops have been deployed around the vicinity of all police stations in the Ikorodu area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“The situation is under control as normalcy has returned to the community,” Ayeni said.