Victor Ezeja
A police Inspector, Saka Ganiyu, has been allegedly stabbed to death by a soldier attached to 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lagos.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 9th October when the police officer attached to the Lagos State Taskforce’s Anti-One-Way team led by Superintendent of Police James Nnadi flagged down a white T4 bus for driving against traffic at Volks Bus Stop, along the Ojo-Iyana Iba Road on Wednesday morning.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelA statement by the Director, Press & Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the driver of the bus turned out to be a soldier who was not wearing the military uniform.
Abdulraheem said the police officer was “fatally stabbed” by the soldier during a confrontation that ensued.
The statement said: “The incident which occurred at about 7am took the sad turn when the Lagos State Taskforce’s Anti-One-Way team, led by Superintendent of Police James Nnadi, apprehended a white T4 for driving against traffic.
“The bus, loaded with passengers, was flagged down by the Taskforce officers. Upon trying to effect the confiscation of the vehicle, the driver who was identified as a military personnel was not in uniform.
“As the arrest proceeded, the driver created a scene and wielding dangerous weapons. During the assault, Inspector Saka Ganiyu was viciously stabbed in the right thigh by the driver of the bus.”
It said the police officer was immediately rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for medical attention but he was unfortunately pronounced dead.
The Lagos State Taskforce condemned the brutal attack which it described as “unwarranted”, on law enforcement officers who were dutifully carrying out their legal responsibilities to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and maintain public order in the State.
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It added that the matter has been referred to the State Police Command for immediate investigation, vowing that justice will be pursued for the loss of their dedicated officer.
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command also confirmed the tragic incident. “Inspector Saka Ganiyu, killed in the line of duty by @HQNigerianArmy 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,” Hundeyin stated via his X handle on Thursday.
The Nigerian Army 81 Division headquarters Lagos also confirmed the incident, saying 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.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division, the Army assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary measures taken to ensure that justice is served.
It added that the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division NA commiserates with the family of the deceased and the Nigeria Police over the unfortunate incident.
“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,” it added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
