“Lagos Condemns Soldiers’ Assault on KAI Officers, Army Intervenes Swiftly”

The Lagos State Government has condemned the “unprovoked attack” on officers of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) by personnel of the Nigerian Army in Yaba. The incident occurred while the KAI officers were lawfully carrying out their duties.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, expressed the government’s disapproval of the assault, which was reportedly directed by Major Adebiyi and Captain Gowon.

Wahab acknowledged the swift intervention of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, which helped de-escalate the situation.

“Earlier today, officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), lawfully engaged in their duties in Yaba, were subjected to an unprovoked attack by personnel of the Nigerian Army under the directive of Major Adebiyi and Captain Gowon,” Wahab stated.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, for their swift and decisive intervention. Their leadership has ensured that KAI officers continue to carry out their responsibilities without further disruption, reinforcing the principle that military personnel are subject to the authority of civil governance.”

Wahab further stressed that attacks on law enforcement officers would not be tolerated, warning that the state would take firm action against such incidents in the future.

“We strongly condemn this unwarranted and unacceptable assault on officers executing their lawful duties. Moving forward, such acts will not be tolerated. We remain committed to ensuring a cleaner Lagos by upholding safety and sanitation standards across the state,” he added.

This incident follows a similar case in September when a suspect was arrested for allegedly assaulting a civilian staff member of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. The suspect, caught defecating along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, attacked officials attempting to arrest him near the Berger Bridge.