The Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) said that one of his personnel died and others were injured after drivers rammed into troops in the Yaba area of Lagos State.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said that the incident occurred today morning, Friday 31 January 2025, during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State.
He explained that the route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State.
He further said: “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 deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos. 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 General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
“He has also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced. The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event. Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations by the NA’s constitutional mandate,” said Ayeni.
