Lagos State Condemns Attack on Sanitation Corps Officers by Nigerian Army
A tense standoff occurred in Yaba, Lagos State, when officers of the Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) were subjected to an unprovoked attack by Nigerian Army personnel. The assault took place while the sanitation officers were performing their lawful duties, as revealed in a statement issued by Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, on Tuesday.
According to Wahab, the incident occurred under the directive of Major Adebiyi and Captain Gowon, with swift intervention by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, bringing the situation under control. The swift response ensured that KAI officers could continue their duties without further disruption, solidifying the principle that military personnel are accountable to civilian authorities within their jurisdictions.
Wahab expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff and the Director of Chaplain Services for their decisive support, condemning the attack on officers carrying out their duties as an unwarranted and unacceptable assault. The state remains committed to upholding safety and sanitation standards across Lagos, as stated in a tweet with the hashtag #CleanerLagos.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for respect and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Notably, a similar situation unfolded in September, when a suspect was arrested for allegedly assaulting a civilian staff member of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources while attempting to resist arrest.
The swift intervention and subsequent control of the situation highlight the importance of coordinated efforts between civilian authorities and the military in maintaining law and order.
