The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into a tragic accident that claimed the life of a soldier and left several others injured during a routine military exercise in Lagos. The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday, January 31, 2025, when a private vehicle rammed into troops participating in a bi-annual route march near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, confirmed the incident in an official statement.
“Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred this morning, Friday 31 January 2025, during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State.
“The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State.
“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 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 statement said.
Following the accident, the body of the deceased soldier was taken to the mortuary, while the injured personnel are receiving medical care at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved soldier’s family and wished the injured a quick recovery. He also urged the public to remain calm as investigations are ongoing.
Despite the tragedy, the Nigerian Army reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining operational readiness and carrying out its constitutional duties.
“The tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate,” the statement added.
