The Nigerian Army (NA) soldiers of the 81 Division stopped Mrs. Francesca Spark from taking her own life as she tried jumping into the Lagos Lagoon near the 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Marina Lagos.
Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the Division’s spokeswoman, signed a statement on Monday that included this information.
According to Ayeni, Spark tried suicide, but soldiers from 65 Battalion NA stationed at the Officers’ Mess saw her attempt and acted swiftly to save her with their military cunning.
“She was given first aid treatment and stabilised by the battalion medical team.
“After stabilisation, we contacted the family and she was handed over to her husband, one Mr Ovie Spark, residing at Awoyaya Lagos,” he said.
Ayeni said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Usman, commended the soldiers for being observant and for their ingenuity, courage and gallantry.
“The GOC said he was pleased that soldiers brought their training in disaster management to bear in such a critical situation that might have claimed the life of a fellow citizen.
“Usman said such an operation is a military operation other than war, conducted during emergencies or natural disasters, which affirm that troops have been trained to support leading agencies during emergencies.
“The GOC assured residents of the NA’s commitment to protect them and their property even during emergencies,” Ayeni said.