In a remarkable display of courage and swift action, soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division have successfully prevented a suicide attempt by Mrs. Francesca Spark.
Mrs. Spark had plunged into the Lagos Lagoon near the 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Marina, Lagos, in a desperate bid to end her life.
In an official statement, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, said the vigilant troops, belonging to the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army deployed in the Officers’ Mess, quickly employed their military riverine expertise and resourcefulness to rescue Mrs. Spark from the perilous situation.
Following her rescue, she received prompt first aid and medical attention from the battalion’s skilled medical team.
Ayeni said upon her stabilization, the soldiers promptly contacted her family, leading to her safe handover to her husband, Mr. Spark Oghene Ovie, who resides in Awoyaya, Lagos.
Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, commended the soldiers for their keen observation, exceptional ingenuity, courage, and gallantry during the mission.
He expressed his satisfaction that the soldiers were able to apply their disaster management training effectively in a critical situation that could have resulted in the loss of a fellow citizen’s life.
Major General Usman emphasized that such operations, which involved military intervention in non-combat situations during emergencies or natural disasters, underscored the importance of the military’s role in supporting leading agencies during crisis scenarios.
He assured residents of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding them and their properties, even in times of emergencies.
