A Nigerian soldier serving at Wawa Cantonment in Niger State allegedly shot and killed his wife before taking his own life, the army said on Monday.
Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, of the 221 Battalion, was found dead alongside his wife in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, within the cantonment, according to a statement by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Stephen Nwachukwu.
“The tragic incident, which occurred on 11 October 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, has left residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate event,” the statement said.
Preliminary findings showed that the soldier had been on duty and sought permission from his superior to attend to personal matters before the incident took place.
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this development and commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss,” Nwachukwu said, adding that an investigation had been launched to determine the motive behind the act.
Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, said the findings of the probe would be made public and that measures would be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.