The Nigeria Army has said it is conducting an investigation into the killing of its personnel by a private vehicle which rammed into soldiers who were engaged in their routine morning exercise on Friday in Lagos.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, confirmed the development in a statement.
“Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred this morning, Friday 31 January 2025, during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State.
“The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State.
“The exercise had earlier been announced on various media platforms to create public awareness.
“Tragically, a driver in a private vehicle recklessly ran into the participating troops resulting in the death of a soldier with others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
“The 81 Division Military Police in conjunction with other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident,” the statement said.
The statement said the remains of the deceased soldier has been deposited in the mortuary, while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos.
“The General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, wishes to express his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded,” the statement added.
The GOC called for calm among the public, noting that investigation into the incident has commenced.
The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event, the statement stressed.
“The tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.”
