A Nigerian Army personnel, identified as Lance Corporal Femi Akinleye, reportedly took his own life on Saturday after fatally shooting his wife, Blessing, at the Wawa Military Cantonment in New Bussa, Kainji, Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. within the residential quarters of the 221 Battalion, located inside the notorious Wawa Barracks — a facility long known for detaining Boko Haram suspects arrested during counter-insurgency operations in northern Nigeria.
According to a military signal obtained by SaharaReporters, Akinleye, who was on barracks duty at the time, allegedly shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. The signal read in part:
“At about 111130A OCT 25, 18NA/77/1173 LCPL Akinleye Femi, a personnel of 221BN Wawa Cantonment who was on barracks duty, was reported to have committed suicide after killing his wife, Blessing, at 221BN CBQ Block 15 Room 24. The remains of both have been deposited at 221BN Medical Reception Station. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the incident.”
The motive behind the soldier’s action remains unclear, but the increasing frequency of similar incidents among Nigerian military personnel has sparked growing concern about the mental health and welfare of soldiers, particularly those engaged in prolonged combat operations.
In recent years, several soldiers have reportedly battled depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and frustration over poor welfare conditions, lack of rotation, and perceived neglect by military authorities. Some have also decried widespread corruption within the army, alleging that it undermines morale and operational effectiveness.
Akinleye’s death adds to a troubling list of self-inflicted tragedies within Nigeria’s armed forces.
- In November 2023, Captain Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza died by suicide in Akwa Ibom State, reportedly leaving behind notes expressing deep frustration with his superior officers.
- In June 2023, a female Air Force officer, identified as Master Warrant Officer George, also took her own life at her residence in Ikeja, Lagos.
- In March 2021, Bello Useni, a soldier from the Nigerian Army School of Armour, Bauchi, died in similar circumstances.
- In September 2020, a Lance Corporal serving with the 27 Task Force Brigade in Yobe State committed suicide while on duty.
- Other reported incidents date back to 2019 and 2017, underscoring a persistent crisis within the ranks.
Observers and rights groups have called for urgent reforms to address the psychological wellbeing of military personnel, including regular mental health evaluations, improved living conditions, and transparent welfare management.
As investigations continue into the Wawa Barracks tragedy, questions linger about what more can be done to prevent such devastating losses within Nigeria’s armed forces.
