The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a suspected criminal following a confrontation with a soldier on duty at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the incident occurred on October 13, 2025, during a tense encounter between a soldier and a group of individuals attempting to force their way into the estate without proper clearance.
The statement explained that the soldier, who was manning the gate at the time, had stopped the group for routine checks when they allegedly became aggressive and violent. In the ensuing scuffle, one of the individuals was injured after the soldier acted in self-defence using armed combat skills.
The injured suspect was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. The Army said the Otu-Jeremi Police Division was immediately informed of the development for further investigation.
“The Brigade wishes to reiterate to the good people of Delta State the need to remain law-abiding and subject themselves to security checks in line with standard operating procedures,” the statement read.
Captain Bawa-Rijau emphasized that the Army remains committed to upholding the fundamental human rights of citizens while carrying out its statutory responsibilities in the state.
