The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier who was attacked by a mentally unstable man on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

According to the Army, the soldier was deployed for internal security duties in the Imota area when the incident occurred. While attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation, the mentally unstable individual struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, inflicting fatal injuries.

A video that circulated widely on social media showed the soldier’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood, with the attacker, dressed in tattered clothes, also seen on the ground. Early reports suggested the soldier had been shot, but the Army clarified that the fatal blow came from the head strike with the log, not a firearm.

In a statement released by Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the Army said:

“On November 16, 2025, about 4 p.m., one of the soldiers deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu, while attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation, was attacked by a mentally unstable individual. The attacker struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injury. The situation was brought under control by other soldiers at the scene, who neutralised the attacker and recovered the soldier’s body.”

The Army also noted that investigations into the incident are ongoing. Authorities stressed that the attack occurred during an effort to maintain public safety and manage a potentially volatile situation.

This tragic event highlights the risks faced by military personnel in internal security operations, particularly when dealing with individuals experiencing severe mental health crises.