By Kelvin Obambon
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of one of its soldiers who was killed in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Saturday, November 16, 2025, after being attacked by a “mentally unstable individual.”
The Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army released a statement on Tuesday to address a viral video and provide preliminary information regarding the incident, which occurred in the Imota area of Ikorodu around 4:00 pm.
According to the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the soldier was deployed for internal security duty and was attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation when he was viciously assaulted.
“One of the soldiers deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu while attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation was attacked by a mentally unstable individual,” the statement read.
The attacker reportedly used a heavy weapon, striking the soldier with fatal force. Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya confirmed that the attacker “struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injury.”
Other soldiers at the scene swiftly intervened to control the situation. The Division noted that the security personnel “neutralized the attacker and recovered the soldiers’ weapon.”
The Army spokesperson said the injured soldier was immediately evacuated to Ikorodu General Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. “He has since been buried according to Islamic rites, with officers of his unit in attendance,” he added.
“The 81 Division Nigerian Army extended its deepest sympathies, conveying condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased soldier.”
Furthermore, the Army announced that a formal inquiry into the unfortunate event is underway. “The Division has also instituted an investigation into the incident,” Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya stated, appealing for cooperation from the public.
The Army authorities urged the public to act responsibly, “We urge the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies. We also appeal for responsible reporting on this incident, allowing our investigation to run its course.”
