Soldiers from the Nigerian Army operating under 81 Division have rescued a woman, identified as Mrs Francesca Spark, who plunged into the Lagos Lagoon around 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina, Lagos State, in an attempt to take her own life.
This was made known by the Division’s acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni on Monday, November 6, 2023.
The 81 Division spokesperson said that the 65 Battalion troops deployed to the Officers’ Mess had sighted Mrs Spark and quickly used their military riverine skills and ingenuity to rescue 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,” Lt. Col. Ayeni said.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman, who was elated by the the humanitarian assistance of the soldiers, commended them for being observant and their ingenuity, courage, and gallantry.
The GOC also expressed delight in the way the soldiers brought their training in disaster management to bear at such a critical situation which could have claimed the life of a fellow citizen.
Maj. Gen. Usman, who said such an operation is a military one, other than war conducted during emergencies or natural disasters, affirmed that troops had been trained to support leading agencies during emergencies.
He assured residents of Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting them and their property even during emergencies.
