Two people were killed on Wednesday evening after police officers opened fire during a stop-and-search operation in Alagbado, a suburb of Lagos, authorities and eyewitnesses said. The incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. along Old Otta Road, during an attempt by officers attached to the AIT Division to stop a vehicle.
According to eyewitness accounts, the officers allegedly shot at the vehicle’s tyres, but the bullets struck two passengers on a passing motorcycle instead. “The officers fled the scene, leaving the victims unconscious,” eyewitnesses said. The two victims were later confirmed dead.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident and said the officers involved had been taken into custody. In a statement, the command said “the officers involved have been arrested,” adding that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation into the shooting.
Police authorities said calm has since been restored to the Alagbado area as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the use of live ammunition during the operation.