A soldier attached to the 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, in Niger State, has reportedly committed suicide after allegedly killing his wife within the barracks.
The soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, and his wife were found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, inside Wawa Cantonment.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, said the matter was already under investigation.
According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the soldier was on duty within the cantonment before seeking permission from his superior officer to attend to personal issues, only to later be found dead alongside his wife.
Nwankwo said, “The 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, is aware of the news in respect of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, who is suspected of having killed his wife and committed suicide.
“The tragic incident that occurred on October 11, 2025, at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused a tense atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident.”
He added that the remains of the deceased couple had been preserved, while an in-depth investigation had commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this incident and commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss,” Nwankwo stated.
He quoted the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, as assuring the public that the investigation would be thorough and the outcome made public.
“The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assures the general public that the circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly,” the statement added.
“The Nigerian Army anticipates maximum understanding and cooperation of the public as always, assuring that the outcome of the investigation will not only be made public but further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences.”
