Navy officer opens fire on colleagues under 'questionable circumstances', details emerge

A naval officer identified as Leading Seaman Akila A in Katsina reportedly opened fire on a colleague and shot him dead
Defense headquarters said the officer has been arrested, disarmed and detained for investigation and prosecution
According to the military authority, Akila committed the crime under questionable circumstances, sporadically opening fire on his colleague

Tragic news from Katsinawhere a Navy officer, identified as Leading Seaman Akila A, fatally shot a colleague on Friday, October 25. According to Edward Buba, director of Defense Media Operations, the incident took place under “questionable circumstances”, with the officer opening fire sporadically.

Defense headquarters has taken it quickly to take action, arrest and detain the officer and initiate an investigation into the incident. The military said once the investigation is completed, the case will be referred to a permanent court-martial, which typically handles crimes among troops.

Army contacts family of murdered officer

In the meantime, the family of the deceased will be informed through official channels. Defense Headquarters has urged the media to report responsibly, given the sensitivity of the situation and the potential impact on the grieving family.

The military statement reads in part:

“In the meantime, the administrative procedure for informing the family of the deceased is underway,”

Nigerian military and insecurity

The Nigerian Army has been participating in several war fronts as the country faces a host of insecurity situations including terrorism in the Northwest, banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and North-Central secessionist movements in the southern part of the country, among others.

The army has also recorded recent successes, especially with the killing of some bandit leaders, including Kachalla Halilu Sububu and Kachalla Baleri Fakai.