The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the death of a police officer following an altercation with a soldier in Lagos on October 9, 2024.
Reports indicate that soldiers from the Ojo Cantonment Barracks, led by an unidentified colleague who was stopped for driving against traffic, allegedly stabbed the policeman, Saka Ganiyu, to death.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, expressed regret over the incident, which arose from a dispute over a traffic violation. He confirmed that the soldier involved has been arrested and handed over to the Military Police for investigation and disciplinary action.
“The incident, which is presently under investigation, escalated and resulted in the death of the policeman,” the statement read.
“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.”