The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has initiated an inquiry into the events leading to the death of a police officer after a confrontation with a soldier in Lagos on October 9, 2024.
In a statement from the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the division expressed sorrow over the occurrence, which arose from a dispute regarding an alleged breach of traffic regulations.
According to reports from The PUNCH, soldiers from the Ojo Cantonment Barracks, accompanied by an unidentified colleague, fatally stabbed the officer, Saka Ganiyu, after he was stopped for driving against traffic.
The statement further noted that the soldier involved in this unfortunate incident has been arrested and transferred to the Military Police for investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures.
Describing the incident as “highly regrettable,” the army emphasised its commitment to upholding the Nigerian Army’s Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement
The statement emphasized that the military has continually warned its members to avoid behaviors that might tarnish its image or create tensions with other security organizations and the community.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division expressed sympathy to the family of the fallen officer and the Nigeria Police Force, while promising that a comprehensive investigation is in progress to guarantee that justice is achieved.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to fostering collaboration with other security agencies in order to secure lives and property, in line with its constitutional mandate,” the statement added.
The division reiterated its commitment to upholding professional standards and preserving public confidence throughout and following the investigation.
