A somber mood engulfed the Wawa Military Cantonment in New Bussa, Kainji, Niger State, on Saturday following a tragic event involving a Nigerian soldier, Lance Corporal Femi Akinleye, who allegedly shot and killed his wife, Blessing, before turning the gun on himself.
The shocking incident reportedly occurred around 11:30 a.m. within the 22 Armoured Brigade quarters of the Nigerian Army, located inside the cantonment.
According to a confidential military signal obtained by Jamflash News, the message 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. Both remains have been deposited at the 221BN Medical Reception Station. Investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.”
A History of Mental Health Struggles in the Military
While the reason behind Akinleye’s tragic action remains unknown, the recurrence of such incidents in recent years has intensified public concern about mental health and psychological support among Nigerian soldiers—especially those deployed in prolonged combat operations.
Over the years, some soldiers have spoken out about poor welfare conditions, extended postings without rotation, and alleged mistreatment by military superiors. These issues, according to many, have led to stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among troops.
A few military insiders have also accused the army of corruption and mismanagement, claiming it undermines morale and the fight against insurgency in the Northeast and other regions.
Previous Cases of Military Suicides in Nigeria
Sadly, Akinleye’s death is not an isolated incident. Several soldiers and officers have reportedly taken their own lives in recent years under similar distressing circumstances:
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November 2023: Captain Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza committed suicide in Akwa Ibom State, leaving behind a note that detailed his frustration with a commanding officer over withheld allowances.
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June 2023: A female Air Force officer identified as George, serving at the 651 Base Services Group in Lagos, was found dead in her apartment in what was described as a suicide case.
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March 2021: Bello Useni, a soldier with the Nigerian Army School of Armour in Bauchi, also reportedly took his own life.
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September 2020: A lance corporal attached to the 27 Task Force Brigade in Yobe State died by suicide while on duty.
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July 2020: A soldier in Bama, Borno State, fatally shot a lieutenant after being denied a pass to visit his family.
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2019–2017: Multiple reports surfaced of soldiers taking their own lives, often linked to frustration, trauma, or conflict with superior officers.
A Call for Mental Health Awareness in the Military
This recurring pattern of suicides among military personnel calls for urgent reform in mental health care and soldier welfare. Many Nigerians are urging the government and military authorities to provide regular psychological evaluations, improve living conditions, and rotate troops more frequently to reduce burnout.
Mental health challenges in the military should no longer be ignored — the human cost is simply too high.
Jamflash News will continue to follow updates from the Nigerian Army as investigations into this tragic incident unfold.
