Nigerian Army Claims Soldier At Delta Estate Stabbed Civilian To Death In Self-Defense

The Nigerian Army has justified the killing of a civilian during a confrontation at Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State, insisting that the soldier involved acted purely in self-defense.

In a statement issued by the Headquarters, 63 Brigade, on Wednesday, the Army explained that “a tense confrontation between a soldier and a suspected criminal occurred at the Delta Marine Logistics and the Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State, on 13 October 2025.

The statement was signed by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

The incident, which escalated into a scuffle, led to the death of the suspect. According to the Army, “the fracas resulted in the death of the suspect, who engaged the soldier on duty in a scuffle, who acted in self-defense. Clarifying the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter, the statement noted that, “For the records, the incident occurred when the soldier, who was on duty at the DMLT Estate gate, halted a group of individuals, who attempted to force their entry into the premises without subjecting themselves to checks. The Army maintained that the group’s aggressive behavior triggered the situation. “When the soldier questioned the group’s intention and sought to ascertain their identities, the said individuals became aggressive and unruly. The suspected criminals became violent when asked who they were looking for and why they were trying to enter without clearance.”

According to the statement, the soldier was left with no choice but to defend himself. “The altercation escalated into a physical struggle wherein the soldier, who acted in self-defense, used armed combat skills and injured one of the unruly individuals.

The suspect was later confirmed dead at a hospital. The injured suspected criminal was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but was pronounced dead later. Accordingly, Otu-Jeremi Police Division in Delta State was promptly notified about the incident for necessary action.”

The Brigade used the opportunity to warn against unruly behavior around secured military locations and urged the public to comply with security protocols. “The Brigade wishes to reiterate to the good people of Delta State the need to remain law-abiding and subject themselves to checks in line with subsisting standard operating procedures.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the soldier allegedly stabbed a civilian identified as Mr. Ugo to death at the entrance of a private estate in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, sparking calls for justice from human rights activists and family members.

Human rights advocate, Comrade Israel Joe, who confirmed the incident in a video statement on Monday, described the killing as “a senseless act of military brutality” and said the matter had been reported to the Delta State Police Command.