Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that one of its soldiers went berserk and killed an officer in Borno State.

The deceased, who until his death serves at the 202 Battalion of 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama, Borno State, was shot dead while making a telephone call in front of the unit headquarters.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Saghir Musa, who made the disclosure in a statement, said the soldier has been arrested while the body of the officer has been deposited at the division hospital mortuary.

He also said the family of the deceased have already been contacted.

Saghir’s statement reads:

Related News

‘A trooper of the Nigerian Army serving in 202 Battalion of 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama, Borno State, went berserk at about 1030 hours on the 29th of July 2020 and fired at an officer (a Subaltern) which led to his death.

‘The incident happened when the soldier approached the officer who was standing in front of the Unit’s Headquarters making a phone call. The soldier has been arrested, is in custody undergoing investigation. The general situation in the unit is calm.

‘The remains of the deceased officer has been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

‘Investigation into the case has since been instituted to determine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.

‘The family of the deceased has already been contacted. The Nigerian Army sympathises and condoles with the family at this trying moment, and pray to the Almighty God to repose the soul of the departed and grant his family and other loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in peace.’