NIGERIA: Army Confirms Soldier Allegedly Kills Wife, Commits Suicide At Wawa Cantonment

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, who allegedly shot his wife before taking his own life at the Wawa Cantonment in Niger State.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, October 11th October 2025, has thrown the military community into mourning and left residents of the barracks in shock.

According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, the bodies of the couple were discovered in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, within the Wawa Cantonment.

Preliminary findings, the statement noted, revealed that the soldier, who was on official duty within the cantonment, had sought permission from his superior to attend to a personal matter shortly before the incident occurred.

“The remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident,” the statement added.

The Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, has assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated and the findings made public.

“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets the incident and commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss,” the statement further said, adding that the military is taking measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Army also appealed for public understanding and cooperation as investigations continue into the circumstances that led to the deaths.