A soldier serving at the Wawa Cantonment in Niger State has allegedly shot his wife dead before taking his own life, the Nigerian Army confirmed on Monday.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, involved Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi of the 221 Battalion.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Stephen Nwachukwu, the tragic event has left the barracks community in shock.
“The tragic incident which occurred on 11 October 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,” the statement read.
According to the Army, the bodies of the couple were found in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters within the cantonment.
Preliminary findings revealed that the soldier had been on duty earlier in the day and had requested permission from his superior to attend to personal issues before the incident happened.
Nwachukwu said the Nigerian Army deeply regrets the tragedy and commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased.
“The NA deeply regrets this, while it 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,” he added.
He also stated that the remains of the deceased have been preserved and that an in-depth investigation is ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding the event.
Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, assured that the outcome of the investigation would be made public and that steps would be taken to prevent future occurrences.
