The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a soldier attached to the 63 Brigade, Asaba, killed a suspected criminal in self-defence following a violent confrontation at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the incident occurred on October 13, 2025, when the soldier who was on duty at the estate’s main gate, attempted to stop a group of individuals trying to force their way into the premises without undergoing standard security checks.
The statement explained that the group became aggressive when questioned about their identities and purpose of visit.
Their behavior escalated into a physical altercation during which one of the men attacked the soldier.
In response, the soldier defended himself using standard combat techniques, injuring the assailant in the process.
The injured suspect was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead.
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The Army said the Otu-Jeremi Police Division in Delta State was promptly informed, and an investigation into the incident has commenced.
Captain Bawa-Rijau urged residents of Delta State to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel by submitting to routine checks in line with established procedures.
He emphasised that the Nigerian Army remains committed to upholding the fundamental human rights of citizens while carrying out its constitutional duties and maintaining peace and security across the state.