… Army launches probe
By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of one of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, who allegedly killed his wife before taking his own life at the Wawa Cantonment, Niger State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, said the tragic incident occurred on October 11, 2025, leaving residents of the cantonment in shock.
“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 killed his wife and committed suicide. 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,” the statement read
Preliminary investigations, the army noted, revealed that the soldier had sought permission from his superior to attend to personal matters while on duty, only for both he and his wife to later be found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters.
Captain Nwankwo said the remains of the deceased had been preserved as an in-depth investigation was underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
He quoted the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, as assuring the public that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, with the findings made public.
The statement further read that the Nigerian Army deeply regretted the incident and extended its condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased, while praying for the repose of their souls.
