Nigerian Army officer dies after wife allegedly sets him ablaze

A Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has tragically passed away after suffering severe burns sustained when his wife allegedly set him on fire during a domestic altercation.

The heartbreaking incident reportedly occurred on September 22, 2025, at the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The news was made public on Tuesday through a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Zagazola Makama, a well-known counter-insurgency expert who frequently reports on security issues in Nigeria.

According to the security expert, “a source said the officer, who was also a medical doctor attached to the 6 Battalion Regimental Medical Officer, RMO, had a heated argument with his wife, Mrs. Samson Haruna, which resulted in her dousing him with petrol, PMS, and setting him on fire.

“The officer sustained severe burns and was immediately stabilised at the Military Reference Section, MRS, in the barracks before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further management,” the source said.

“The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life.

“It was further gathered that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody while an investigation into the incident is ongoing.”