The Nigerian Army says the police officer who allegedly killed a soldier has been arrested.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the 81 Division spokesman Olabisi Ayeni.

An angry mob at Ogijo, a border town between Ogun and Lagos on Wednesday, attacked a police station following the death of a soldier who was allegedly stabbed to death by a policeman.

The army said the victim (soldier) allegedly confronted the suspect (policeman), who was not properly dressed and standing very close to a patrol vehicle of Operation MESA to confirm his identity.

“This led to an argument and, subsequently, the unfortunate incident. The soldier was immediately rushed to the Lagos State Polytechnic Hospital, Odogunyan, for medical attention, but he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital,” the statement said. “The remains of the soldier have been moved to 174 Battalion Medical Centre in Ikorodu.”

The army added that the suspect was arrested, kept in military custody for his safety, and later handed over to the Nigeria police force for prosecution.

“However, the angry mob who witnessed the unfortunate incident took advantage of this and attacked the police station in the community. Troops have been deployed around the vicinity of all police stations in the Ikorodu area to prevent the breakdown of law and order,” the army statement noted. “The situation is under control as normalcy has returned to the community.” 

(NAN)