The Nigerian Army, 22 Armoured Brigade, has disclosed that one of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, is suspected to have committed suicide after killing his wife.
The Army, in a statement on Monday, signed by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, said the tragic incident which occurred on 11 October 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State.
According to the statement, the situation has caused a tense atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident.
‘Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on duty within the Cantonment and had sought permission from his superior to attend to personal needs and return to duty. This followed the discovery of the dead bodies lying in their apartment.
‘The remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident,’ the statement reads.
Continuing, the statement stated that the Nigerian Army regrets the incident and ‘commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss. The army also prays for the peaceful repose of their souls.
‘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 Nigerian Army, while seeking maximum understanding and cooperation of the public, assured that the outcome of the investigation will not only be made public, rather, further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences.’