Nigerian Army Arrests Soldier Over Killing Of Police Officer

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the event that resulted in the killing of a police officer, Inspector Saka Ganiyu, after an encounter with troops in Lagos State.

According to LIB, some soldiers from the Ojo Cantonment Barracks attacked Ganiyu after he accosted a colleague for driving against traffic near the Volks Bus Stop on the Ojo Iyana Iba Road in Lagos State.

On Thursday, October 9, police officers on enforcement duty stopped the soldier, who was not wearing his uniform, while driving an unlicensed T4 Volkswagen commercial bus against traffic at the Volks Bus Stop.

An incident occurred, and the soldier summoned several of his colleagues, who reportedly stormed out of the Ojo Cantonment Barracks and attacked the police officers.

Ganiyu was injured to varied degrees during the attack and was brought to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for emergency care.

Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Thursday, October 10, that the Division regrets the occurrence.

According to the statement, the soldier involved in the event was arrested and turned over to military police for investigation and disciplinary punishment.

“Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on 9 October 2024 involving a soldier and a policeman following an altercation related to an alleged traffic rule violation,” the statement read.

“The incident, which is presently under investigation, escalated and resulted in the death of the policeman.

“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.

“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.

“We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property in line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army.”

Meanwhile, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the occurrence in a statement issued via his X Twitter.

“Inspector Saka Ganiyu, killed in the line of duty by a Nigerian Army soldier on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 for attempting to stop a motorist (who later turned out to be a soldier) driving against traffic in the Ojo area of Lagos State,” the PPRO wrote.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli