Army Probes Bodies Of Soldier, Wife Found In Niger Barracks

The Nigerian Army has identified the bodies of a soldier and his wife found lifeless in Wawa Cantonment, Niger State and commenced an investigation to unravel the circumstances.

The soldier identified as Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, was suspected of killing his wife and committing suicide.

A statement by the acting assistant director, Army Public Relations 22 Armoured Brigade, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, said the tragic incident, which occurred on 11 October 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, caused a tense atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident.

According to him, Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment.

He said 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 dead 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,” he said.

The Army commiserated with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls.

The Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assured the public that the circumstances leading to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated and the outcome relayed to the 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, but also further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences.”