(Police rescueing a man. Photo by Channels TV)
The Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, after he reportedly jumped into the Lagos lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on June 8, 2026, when marine police operatives received a tip-off that a young man had plunged into the lagoon from the bridge.
Acting swiftly, officers mobilised to the scene and successfully pulled the victim out alive with the assistance of local fishermen operating in the area.
Following his rescue, Babalola identified himself as a painter residing in the Iwo Road area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
He told authorities he had travelled from Ibadan earlier that day without informing anyone of his whereabouts, and that he had acted out of overwhelming financial difficulties and feelings of hopelessness.
His mobile phone was also lost in the water during the incident.
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that the victim had been stabilised and was under police care while efforts were ongoing to reach his family.
“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,” Adebisi stated.
The spokesperson used the occasion to stress the importance of public collaboration in emergency response, urging community leaders, boat operators, fishermen, and other stakeholders in riverine areas to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police formation or marine police unit.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State.
