Marine Police Foil Suicide Attempt as 23-Year-Old Jumps into Lagos Lagoon
Operatives of the Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command have rescued a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, who allegedly attempted to take his own life by jumping into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.
The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on June 8, 2026, after the officer in charge of the Marine Police Unit received a distress report that a young man had plunged into the lagoon from the bridge.
Police officers immediately mobilised to the scene and, with the assistance of local fishermen, successfully rescued the victim alive from the water.
According to the Lagos State Police Command, Babalola identified himself as a painter residing along Iwo Road in Ibadan, Oyo State. He reportedly told officers that he travelled from Ibadan to Lagos without informing anyone and decided to jump into the lagoon because of severe financial difficulties and a sense of hopelessness.
The victim also disclosed that he lost his mobile phone in the lagoon during the incident.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the young man had been stabilised and was currently in protective custody while efforts were being made to contact his family members.
“He was rescued with the help of fishermen in the area. He is the second person in three months to be rescued from the lagoon,” the police spokesperson said.
The command urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community partnership remains critical to effective policing.
“Effective policing thrives on partnership between the police and the public. Prompt and credible information from residents is crucial in preventing and combating incidents.
“We urge community leaders, boat operators, fishermen and other stakeholders in riverine communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police formation or the Marine Police Unit,” the command stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended residents for their continued cooperation with security agencies in maintaining peace and safety across the state.
He assured Lagosians that the command would continue to strengthen security on the waterways through the deployment of operational assets, marine patrol teams and aerial surveillance, while working closely with communities to prevent crime and safeguard lives.
