The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the death of an officer, Lt. Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza who died last week.
Reports had claimed that the officer took his own life by committing suicide in Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza, in Essien Udim Local Government, Akw Akwa Ibom state, using mosquito net.
Some reports were also suggestive of complicity by the Army over the death of the officer.
Reacting in a statement, the Army said it would be wrong to jump into conclusion over the real cause of death of the soldier, absolving the Army of involvement in his death.
An investigation has been instituted by the Nigerian Army authority, according to a statement by Major Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations.
The statement: “The late officer died while deployed 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”.
