The Nigerian Army has issued an explanation concerning the death of a civilian after a confrontation with a soldier at the Delta Marine Logistics and the Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State.
The Army in a statement on Wednesday, signed by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade Asaba, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, said the soldier acted in self-defence.
According to Bawa-Rijau, the October 13 incident occurred when the soldier, who was on duty at the DMLT Estate gate, halted a group of individuals.
The group, the Army alleged, “attempted to force their entry into the premises without subjecting themselves to checks.”
The Army explained that the soldier questioned the group’s intention and sought to ascertain their identities, however, “the said individuals became aggressive and unruly.”
The statement read partly, “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.”
The Army further said the Otu-Jeremi Police Division in the state was 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 prioritised, while discharging statutory responsibilities in Delta State,” the statement added.
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