Nigerian Army investigates torture, killing of officer by soldiers in Lagos

The Nigerian Army has commenced investigation into the beating of a policeman to death by Soldiers of the 81 Division in Ojo, Lagos State.

Soldiers of the 81 Division were said to be held up in traffic around Trade Fair arena on the Lagos Badagry expressway while going for a programme at the Ojo Military Cantonment.

The traffic was attributed to some police officers clearing the way for a truck driver to join the expressway. The soldiers were said to have descended the policemen, forcing some of them to the barracks where they beat and tortured one of the police officers to death.

The Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations at the 81 Division, Major Olaniyi Osoba, in a statement, acknowledged the incident saying: “The attention of the 81 Division has been drawn to a story online over the unfortunate incident that occurred between some soldiers and policemen around Ojo in Lagos resulting in the loss of the life of a police officer.”

He maintained: “The Division is already in touch with the Lagos State Police Command to resolve the matter. This incident is highly regrettable given the Division’s disposition and zero tolerance for any misconduct.”

The Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations said that the Division has constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.

According to Major Osoba, “At the end of the investigation, anyone found culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the disciplinary provisions.

“Consequently, the Division wishes to commiserate with the Ojo Police Division and members of the family of the victim.”

The PPRO of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirming the killing said, “We are working with the Nigerian army authorities to resolve this issue; and get back our officer, arms, and ammunition still with them.”

The PPRO tweeted on Friday. “RIP to our fallen hero. You absolutely did not have to die.”