A yet-to-be identified soldier attached to the Ojo Cantonment Barracks, has allegedly killed a cop identified as Saka Ganiyu, in Lagos State, for pulling him over while he was on a wrong-way drive otherwise called contraflow or driving against traffic.

The soldier, who was not in his uniform, was said to be leading fellow colleagues in an unlicensed T4 Volkswagen commercial bus, when he was accosted around Volkswagen Bus Stop, along the Ojo Iyana Iba Road.

The soldier thereafter contacted the cantonment barracks to alert his colleagues who came and attacked the cop performing his lawful duty.

The injured police officer was admitted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital where he died while still receiving treatment. His corpse was thereafter deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the 81 Division, Olabisi Ayeni, said that the soldier had been arrested and handed over to the military police, adding that investigation was underway for a disciplinary action.

The statement read, “Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on 9 October 2024, involving a soldier and a policeman, following an altercation related to an alleged traffic rule violation.

“The incident, which is presently under investigation, escalated and resulted in the death of the policeman. 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.”

Expressing regret over the incident, the division said that it was committed to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement, noting that it continuously sensitized its personnel to engage in activities that would not tarnish its image and bridge the trust with other security agencies including civilians.

The General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army commiserated with the family of the deceased and the Nigeria Police Force on the incident, assuring that a thorough investigation would be done, and disciplinary measures taken to ensure that justice was served.

The army said, “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.’’