Army arrests soldier for killing Police Inspector in Lagos

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier for allegedly killing a police officer, Inspector Saka Ganiyu, in the Ojo area of Lagos State.

The spokesperson for the Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, made this known in a statement on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Ayeni said the Division has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Police Inspector on Wednesday, October 9.

“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,” he said.

Ayeni noted that the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, commiserated with the family of the deceased and the Nigeria Police on the incident.

The army spokesperson added: “The incident is highly regrettable, given the Division’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.

“The Nigerian Army continuously sensitised its personnel not to engage in activities that would tarnish its image and bridge the trust with other security agencies and the civil populace.

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“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.”

Ayeni said the Nigerian Army would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property in line with the constitutional mandate of the army.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. at the Volks Bus Stop, along Ojo/Iyana-Iba Road, Ojo, Lagos State, on Wednesday.

Credible sources disclosed that the Police Inspector was carrying out lawful enforcement with his team when they saw an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus driving against traffic.

The bus was said to have been driven by a man who identified himself as a soldier.

“In the ensuing altercation, the said soldier called his colleagues, who trooped out from Ojo Cantonment Barracks with dangerous weapons and attacked the police team.

“While the attack was on, the Lagos State Traffic Taskforce called for reinforcement and more policemen swiftly mobilised to the scene and repelled the soldiers.

“One Inspector Saka Ganiyu, a member of the team, who sustained injury during the attack was rescued and rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja for treatment.

“However, the injured officer later died in the hospital while undergoing treatment,” a source told NAN.

According to the source, the corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy and preservation, while the Lagos State Police Command has begun an investigation into the case.

The Star