Soldier Kills Suspected Criminal in Self-Defence During Estate Entry Dispute, Army Confirms

A serving soldier is reported to have killed a suspected criminal while acting in self-defence during a tense confrontation at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State. The incident occurred on October 13, 2025.

Dependable NG reports that the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident through a statement released by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba. According to the Army, the confrontation began when the soldier on duty at the DMLT Estate gate attempted to halt a group of individuals who tried to force their way into the premises without submitting to standard security checks.

The statement clarified that when the soldier questioned the group’s intentions and sought to ascertain their identities, the individuals became aggressive and unruly. The situation rapidly escalated into a physical struggle after the suspected criminals became violent when asked about their purpose for seeking entry without clearance.

During the scuffle, the soldier, acting in self-defence, employed armed combat skills, which resulted in an injury to one of the unruly individuals. The injured suspect was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead.

The Army has since notified the Otu-Jeremi Police Division in Delta State for necessary action. The 63 Brigade used the statement to reiterate the importance of law-abiding behaviour and the need for citizens to subject themselves to security checks, assuring the public that the fundamental human rights of citizens remain a priority in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities in Delta State.