TheCable

The Nigerian army says soldiers prevented one Francesca Spark from committing suicide after she plunged into the Lagos lagoon. 

Olabisi Ayeni, spokesperson of 81 Division of the army, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Ayeni said troops of 65 Battalion who had been deployed to the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina, averted the suicide attempt.

He said the soldiers spotted Spark and quickly used their military ingenuity to save her.

“She was given first aid treatment and stabilised by the battalion medical team,” he said.

“After stabilisation, we contacted the family and she was handed over to her husband, one Mr Ovie Spark, residing at Awoyaya Lagos.”

Ayeni said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Muhammed Usman, a major-general, commended the officers 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”