Nigerian Soldier Allegedly Kills Wife, Commits Suicide In Niger State

A soldier attached to the 221 Battalion in Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, reportedly killed his wife before taking his own life at the barracks.

It was gathered that 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, Wawa Cantonment.

Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 22 Armoured Brigade, confirmed the incident in a statement, stressing that an investigation is ongoing.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on duty at the time and had requested permission from his superior to attend to personal matters before returning to work.

“The 22 Armoured 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 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,” the statement partly read.

The army confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been preserved and that a thorough investigation has begun to determine exactly what happened.

“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,” it added.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Nigerian Army recently confirmed the detention of a female soldier, Corporal Amina Maidoki, over allegations of theft and other misconduct.