Tragedy as soldier kills wife, commits suicide in Niger

A tragic incident has occurred at the 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where a serving soldier, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, reportedly took his own life after killing his wife.

The shocking development was confirmed in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, who disclosed that the incident happened on October 11, 2025.

According to the statement, the event has thrown the entire Wawa Cantonment community into mourning and confusion, as residents struggle to comprehend what could have led to such a heartbreaking act.

“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.

“Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. 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”, he said.

Captain Nwankwo added that the remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation had commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

“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.” he added.