Nigerian Army reacts to alleged suicide case of officer in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of one of its officers, Lieutenant Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The lifeless body of the officer was found hanging from a tree in a bush on Saturday night, November 11, 2023.

It was gathered that the father of two from Adamawa State allegedly hanged himself with a mosquito net.

Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Major Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who confirmed the sad development in a statement on Tuesday, November 14, said the issue was being thoroughly investigated.

“The attention of Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a publication making the rounds in the media over the unfortunate demise of Lieutenant Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza,” the statement read.

“The late officer died while deployed on duty at the 2 Brigade Step-Up Headquarters for Exercise STILL WATERS III at Essien Udim Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

“For the records, on 11 November 2023, the officer was not seen at the Step-up Headquarters, all efforts to reach him proved abortive. Hence, a search was launched in the general area, and his lifeless body was discovered.

“The Division sympathizes with the deceased officer’s family over his unfortunate demise and wishes to call on the media to refrain from publishing narratives suggestive of complicity in his unfortunate demise.

“The NA remains a professional organization that places a high premium on the welfare of its troops and would not take the demise of any of its personnel in any controversial circumstance for granted.

“While not joining issues with the media houses propagating this misinformation, it is important to state that there are regimental precepts through which such occurrences are handled in the NA.

“The Division wishes to inform the general public that the issue is being thoroughly investigated and the public will be dully informed on the outcome of the investigation.”