Soldier killed by mentally unstable man in Lagos

A soldier on internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, has died after being attacked by a mentally unstable individual, the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division has confirmed.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the incident occurred on 16 November 2025, at about 4:00 pm, when the soldier attempted to de-escalate a chaotic situation.

The assailant struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injuries.

Fellow soldiers at the scene quickly neutralized the attacker and recovered the soldier’s weapon.

The injured soldier was rushed to Ikorodu General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

He was later buried according to Islamic rites, with the Acting Commanding Officer and other officers of the unit in attendance.

The Army has extended condolences to the soldier’s family, friends, and colleagues, praising his service to the nation.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack has been launched.

The 81 Division urged the public to exercise caution, report suspicious activities to security agencies, and practice responsible reporting to allow the ongoing investigation to proceed without interference.