The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has initiated an investigation into the k!lling of police officer Inspector Saka Ganiyu following an altercation with soldiers in Lagos State.
According to reports, the incident began when Ganiyu confronted a soldier who was driving against traffic near the Volks Bus Stop along Ojo Iyana Iba Road on October 9. The soldier, out of uniform and operating an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus, was stopped by police on duty. After the confrontation, the soldier reportedly called for backup, leading to an attack on the police officers by soldiers from the Ojo Cantonment Barracks. Ganiyu was injured in the altercation and rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries.
In a statement dated October 10, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, expressed regret over the incident, confirming that the soldier involved had been arrested and handed over to military police for investigation and disciplinary action. “Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army regrets informing the public of an altercation on October 9, 2024, involving a soldier and a policeman over an alleged traffic v!olation,” the statement read. “The matter escalated, resulting in the unfortunate death of the policeman.”
The Army assured the public that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding its Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement. The General Officer Commanding 81 Division extended condolences to Ganiyu’s family and the Nigeria Police, assuring that appropriate actions would be taken to ensure justice. “We will continue to work closely with other security agencies to protect lives and property in line with our constitutional duties,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the trag!c event on social media, stating, “Inspector Saka Ganiyu was k!lled in the line of duty by a Nigerian Army soldier on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, after attempting to stop a motorist (later identified as a soldier) driving against traffic in the Ojo area of Lagos State.”
