The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing by a soldier of a man it described as a “suspected criminal” at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate, Warri, Delta State, saying the officer acted in “self-defence.”
According to the Army, the incident which occurred on October 13, 2025, followed an attempt by a group of individuals to force their way into the estate without undergoing routine security checks.
Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations of 63 Brigade Asaba on Wednesday 15th October 2025, gave the official version of the incident.
Titled, “Soldier Eliminates A Suspected Criminal In Self-Defence At Warri Estate,” the statement read: “The Headquarters, 63 Brigade, wishes to state 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 fracas resulted in the death of the suspect, who engaged the soldier on duty in a scuffle, who acted in self-defense.
“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. 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.
“The altercation escalated into a physical struggle wherein the soldier, who acted in self defence used armed combat skills and injured one of the unruly individuals.
“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 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. Additionally, it is important to unequivocally state that respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry has always been prioritized, while discharging statutory responsibilities in Delta State.”
