Nigerian Army officer kills wife before taking own life at barracks in Niger State

Monday, October 13, 2025 - The Nigerian Army has confirmed the d3ath of a soldier, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, who allegedly k!lled his wife and later committed su!cide at Wawa Cantonment in Niger State.

Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, made this known in a press statement on 12 October 2025.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on October 11, 2025 at the 221 Battalion quarters within the cantonment. 

The statement said the bodies of the soldier and his wife were found in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters.

“The 22 Armourd Brigade, Nigerian Army (NA), is aware of the news in respect of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment who is suspected to have k!lled his wife and committed su!cide," the statement read.

"The tragic incident which occurred on 11 October 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused a tensed atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such unfortunate incident. 

"Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found d3ad 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 d3ad 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 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.

"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 NA anticipates maximum understanding and cooperation of the public as always, assuring that the outcome of the investigation will not only be made public, rather, further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences.”