The Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command has successfully prevented a suicide attempt by a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, who reportedly jumped into the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The incident occurred on June 8, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., when the officer in charge of the unit received a report that a young man had leaped into the Lagos lagoon from the bridge.
Rescue Operation
Upon arriving at the scene, the police team, with the assistance of local fishermen, managed to rescue Babalola alive. The victim identified himself as a painter residing in Iwo Road, Oyo State. He stated that he had left Ibadan on Monday morning without informing anyone, intending to end his life due to overwhelming poverty and hopelessness. He also mentioned that he lost his phone in the lagoon during the incident.
Police Confirmation
Abimbola Adebisi, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the incident. Adebisi noted that the victim has been stabilized and is currently in police custody. Efforts to contact his relatives have so far been unsuccessful. "He is the second person in three months to be rescued from the lagoon," Adebisi added, emphasizing the recurring nature of such incidents.
Call for Community Cooperation
In a statement, Adebisi called for greater cooperation and support from community members. "Effective policing thrives on partnership between the police and the public. Prompt and credible information from residents is crucial in preventing and combating incidents," she said. She urged community leaders, boat operators, fishermen, and other stakeholders in riverine areas to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest police formation or the marine police.
The rescue operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the Lagos State Police Command to address mental health crises and prevent suicides, while also underscoring the importance of community involvement in public safety.
