Lagos: Police officer detained for shooting 2-year-old girl to death

On Thursday, November 5, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded in Lagos, Nigeria, when a young girl lost her life after being shot by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the Nosamu area of Ajegunle. The ASP, Omotayo Olajide, is currently detained following the shooting. Two other girls were also injured, with one receiving medical attention and the other in stable condition.

The incident occurred between 9.30pm and 10pm, after a distress call was made about a violent clash between two rival groups, the Nosamu Boys and Alayabiagba Boys. The police team, including ASP Olajide and other officers, arrived on the scene to quell the disturbance. The groups were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, such as cutlasses.

During the operation, ASP Olajide discharged his firearm, causing bullet wounds to the two girls. The two-year-old girl, identified as Omole Taiwo, died from her injuries at the hospital, while the other girl is in stable condition and being treated at an undisclosed hospital.

The Lagos State Police Command released a statement confirming that ASP Olajide was immediately disarmed and detained upon the arrival of the police team. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) took over the investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the ASP and other officers were deployed to the area following the clash between the two groups.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that justice would be served. He vowed that no officer found to be culpable would be protected, emphasizing the command's commitment to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of lives. The public is urged to report any useful information about the incident to the nearest police station or the command's Public Relations Department.