The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has initiated an inquiry into the alleged killing of a driver named Lawal by individuals falsely posing as soldiers. The tragic event unfolded on Friday, when Lawal was intercepted by these imposter soldiers while en route to deliver a brand-new 2022 Toyota Corolla to its recipient in Abuja.
Reportedly, these individuals falsely representing themselves as soldiers informed Lawal that they were taking him to their barracks, only to transport him to Iyana Ipaja near the outskirts of Lagos. There, they reportedly shot him and disposed of his body in a nearby bush.
However, unbeknownst to these fake soldiers, Lawal’s friend, who was driving a Hilux van ahead of him, witnessed the entire incident and swiftly reported it to the police. Consequently, the police tracked down the suspects to the 9th Brigade, Maryland, where they were positively identified on Saturday.
In response to this tragic occurrence, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the spokesperson for the 81 Division, stated on Sunday afternoon that the army is investigating the reported murder, which allegedly took place on August 17, committed by individuals donning military uniforms.
Ayeni said: “In as much as information into the allegation is still scanty at the moment, being a responsible organization, Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army considers it appropriate to bring the occurrence to public notice and the steps taken to identify the alleged persons in military uniform, believed to be soldiers and bring them to justice if truly they are serving soldiers.
“The Division is currently carrying out an investigation in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Lagos State Command to unravel the identity of the alleged suspects and the circumstances surrounding the alleged unfortunate incident.
“At the end of the investigation, if the suspects are identified as serving soldiers, they will be made to face the full wrath of both military and civil laws.
“While the matter is under investigation, Headquarters 81 Division requests the family of the deceased to exercise patience and wait for the outcome of the investigation as whosoever is found wanting will be made to face disciplinary action.
“The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for troops’ misconduct or involvement of its personnel in any form of criminality, hence, will not allow this allegation to go unraveled.
“Consequently, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Maj Gen MT Usman, commiserates with the family of the victim while promising that justice would be served accordingly.
“He assures the family of the deceased that whosoever killed their loved one will not be allowed to go unpunished.”
