NIGERIA: Soldier Kills Suspected Criminal In Self-Defence During Clash At Warri Estate — Army

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a soldier attached to the 63 Brigade acted in self-defence during a confrontation that led to the death of a suspected criminal at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State.

According to a statement signed by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, the incident occurred on October 13, 2025, when a group of individuals attempted to force their way into the estate without undergoing security checks.

The statement explained that the soldier, who was on duty at the estate gate, had halted the group for questioning when they became “aggressive and unruly.”

The situation quickly escalated into a physical struggle, during which the soldier, acting in self-defence, used his combat training to subdue one of the intruders, inflicting injuries on him.

“The injured suspected criminal was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead. The Otu-Jeremi Police Division in Delta State was promptly notified about the incident for necessary action,” the statement said.

The 63 Brigade called on residents of Delta State to remain law-abiding and to comply with established security procedures, emphasising that respect for human rights remains central to military operations in the state.

“The Brigade wishes to reiterate the need for citizens to subject themselves to checks in line with standard operating procedures. Respect for the fundamental human rights of the people has always been maintained while discharging our statutory responsibilities,” the Army stated.