The Nigerian Army has launched a full investigation into the tragic death of a serving soldier, Lance Corporal Femi Akenleye, who allegedly shot his wife dead before taking his own life at Wawa Cantonment in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 11, 2025, has thrown the military community and residents of the cantonment into shock.
According to reports, the soldier, who was on official duty, had sought permission from his superiors to attend to an urgent personal matter but reportedly failed to drop his service weapon before leaving his post. Upon returning home, he allegedly opened fire on his wife and later turned the gun on himself.
Confirming the incident, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, issued a statement titled “Soldier Commits Murder, Kills Self at Wawa Cantonment.”
He said:
“The 22 Armoured Brigade is aware of the unfortunate incident involving one of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, who is suspected to have killed his wife and committed suicide.
“The tragic event has caused a tense atmosphere within the barracks, leaving residents in deep shock as to what could have triggered such an act.”
Nwankwo explained that the deceased soldier was on duty at the time of the incident and had taken brief permission to attend to personal needs before the bodies were later discovered in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters.
He said the remains of both husband and wife had been preserved as investigations continue to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this tragedy and commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased. The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, has ordered a thorough investigation to establish what truly happened,” the statement added.
The army further assured that the outcome of the investigation would be made public and that measures would be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Comments are closed.