A serving soldier has reportedly killed a suspected criminal in self-defense at Warri Estate, Delta State, the Nigerian Army has said.
In a statement by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, he said a tense confrontation between a soldier and a suspected criminal occurred at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State, on 13 October 2025.
According to the statement, the fracas resulted in the death of the suspect, who engaged the soldier on duty in a scuffle, and the soldier acted in self-defense.
“For the records, the incident occurred when the soldier, who was on duty at the DMLT Estate gate, halted a group of individuals who attempted to force their entry into the premises without subjecting themselves to checks. When the soldier questioned the group’s intention and sought to ascertain their identities, the said individuals became aggressive and unruly,” it said.
It added that the suspected criminals became violent when asked who they were looking for and why they were trying to enter without clearance.
“The altercation escalated into a physical struggle wherein the soldier, who acted in self-defense, used armed combat skills and injured one of the unruly individuals.
“The injured suspected criminal was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead,” it said.
“Accordingly, Otu-Jeremi Police Division in Delta State was promptly notified about the incident for necessary action.
“The Brigade wishes to reiterate to the good people of Delta State the need to remain law-abiding and subject themselves to checks in line with subsisting standard operating procedures.
“Additionally, it is important to unequivocally state that respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry has always been prioritized while discharging statutory responsibilities in Delta State,” the statement further said.
