The 81 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) soldiers have prevented a woman, Francesca Spark, who plunged into the Lagos Lagoon around 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina, from killing herself.

The army disclosed this in a statement by the division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, on Monday.

Ms Spark attempted to take her own life, but soldiers deployed at the officers’ mess sighted her and quickly rescued her from drowning.

“She was given first aid treatment and stabilised by the battalion medical team. After stabilisation, we contacted the family and she was handed over to her husband, one Mr Ovie Spark, residing at Awoyaya Lagos,” said the army.

The general officer commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Usman, commended the soldiers for being observant and for their ingenuity, courage and gallantry, according to the statement.

“The GOC said he was pleased that soldiers brought their training in disaster management to bear in such a critical situation that might have claimed the life of a fellow citizen,” the statement noted. “Usman said such an operation is a military operation other than war, conducted during emergencies or natural disasters, which affirms that troops have been trained to support leading agencies during emergencies.”

It added, “The GOC assured residents of the NA’s commitment to protect them and their property even during emergencies.” 

(NAN)