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 jumped into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge. The incident occurred on June 8, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Upon receiving a report that a young man had leaped into the lagoon, the officer in charge of the unit promptly arrived at the scene. The victim was rescued alive and identified himself as a painter residing in Iwo Road, Oyo State. He disclosed that he had left Ibadan on Monday morning without informing anyone, driven by feelings of poverty and hopelessness. He also stated that his phone was lost in the lagoon during the incident.
Abimbola Adebisi, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the event, noting that the victim has been stabilized and is currently in police custody. Efforts to reach his relatives have so far been unsuccessful. Adebisi added, “He was rescued with the help of fishermen in the area. This is the second person in three months to be rescued from the lagoon.”
Adebisi called for greater cooperation and support from community members, emphasizing that effective policing relies on partnership between the police and the public. He 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 unit.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, commended Lagosians for their consistent cooperation, support, and partnership with the police in maintaining peace and security across the state. He acknowledged the critical role of residents in providing useful information and supporting law enforcement efforts, which have significantly contributed to the command’s successes. Fatai appealed for greater collaboration and sustained support from all stakeholders as the police intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. He stated, “The command will continue to deploy operational assets and personnel, including marine and aerial surveillance capabilities, to secure the waterways, while strengthening collaboration with the people to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within our riverine communities.”
