The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) has confirmed the alleged death by suicide of Lieutenant Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza, saying it is “unfortunate.”
The Army therefore said the circumstances surrounding the death “is being thoroughly investigated and the public will be dully informed on the outcome of the investigation.”
But the Army frowned at media reports categorically stating that the late officer committed suicide saying that it is propagation of “misinformation.”
It however said: “It is important to state that there are regimental precepts through which such occurrences are handled in the NA.”
Spokesperson of 6 Division, Major Damjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed in a statement that the late officer died while deployed on duty at the 2 Brigade Step-Up Headquarters for Exercise STILL WATERS III at Essien Udim Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.
Major Danjuma noted that on 11 November 2023, the officer was not seen at the Step-up Headquarters “and 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.
“The Divsion wishes to inform the general public that the issue is being thoroughly investigated and the public will be dully informed on the outcome of the investigation.”