The Nigerian Army has detained one of its officers for stabbing a police officer identified as Inspector Saka Ganiyu, a member of the Task Force Unit stationed at Oshodi Base to death during an altercation in the Ojo/Iyana-Iba area of Lagos.
Trouble started when some police officers reportedly engaged in enforcement duties in the area stopped an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus that was driving against traffic, operated by a soldier in civilian clothing.
That was when things escalated leading to a heated argument between the driver and the police, Inspector Saka, during which the driver, who later identified himself as a soldier.
Before anyone knew what was happening, the soldier summoned his fellow soldiers from Ojo Cantonment Barracks.
What started off like an altercation suddenly turned into a full show of force between the group of soldiers and the team of policemen.
Police Vs Army
The soldiers arrived at the scene and immediately launched an attack on the police officers with lethal weapons.
In the process, Inspector Saka was stabbed and left in the pool of his own blood.
A backup team of policemen quickly responded to the situation and fended off the soldiers.
However, by that time, Inspector Ganiyu had reportedly sustained a stab wound from the soldier and was losing blood rapidly.
According to police sources, he was subsequently rescued and transported to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja.
Sadly, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
At the time of this report, the body of the deceased policeman had been placed in the morgue at LASUTH.
Meanwhile, the soldier accused of inflicting the fatal wound was taken into custody at the 9 Brigade in Ikeja Cantonment.
The Investigation
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, stated that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
However, the Nigerian Army have characterised the incident as unfortunate.
They have assured the public that a full-scale investigation will be launched and disciplinary actions will be implemented to uphold justice.
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The NA spoke via a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni.
The statement reads: “Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on October 9, 2024.
“The incident involved a soldier and a policeman following an altercation related to an alleged traffic rule violation.
“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.”
