Woman rescued from suicide by soldiers in Lagos

Soldiers operating under the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army successfully thwarted a suicide attempt by Mrs. Francesca Spark, who had jumped into the Lagos lagoon near the 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Marina, in an effort to end her life.

In a statement, Lt.-Col Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division Nigerian Army, reported that troops from the 65 Battalion, stationed at the officers’ mess, promptly rescued Mrs. Spark upon spotting her.

“She was given first aid and stabilized by the battalion medical team. After stabilization, the family was contacted, and she was handed over to her husband, one Mr Spark Oghene Ovie, residing at Awoyaya Lagos,” the statement said.

Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division, commended the soldiers for their vigilance and their ability to respond effectively in a challenging situation.

He said he was pleased that soldiers brought their training in disaster management to bear in such a critical situation that could have claimed the life of a fellow citizen.

Usman, who said such an operation is a military operation other than war conducted during emergencies or natural disasters, affirmed that troops have been trained to support leading agencies during emergencies.

He assured residents of the Army’s commitment to protect them and their properties even during emergencies.