Army probes officer’s death after fire incident

The Nigerian Army Headquarters, 2 Brigade, Akwa Ibom State, has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of one of its officers, late Lieutenant Samson Haruna, in Uyo.

The officer passed away at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital after sustaining burns from a fire incident on September 22, 2025.

In a statement issued in Uyo on Friday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Lawal Muhammad, said the outcome of the investigation would be made public upon its conclusion.

Muhammad stated, “An investigation was instituted at the onset of the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding it before the demise of the officer. The outcome of the investigation will be made public upon its conclusion.”

The Army spokesperson, who used the occasion to brief the public on the incident, disclosed that the officer was immediately evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where he received comprehensive medical treatment.

He said that despite concerted efforts by the medical team to stabilise his condition, the officer sadly passed away on October 6, 2025, while receiving care.

According to him, “The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public of an unfortunate incident involving Lieutenant S. Haruna and his wife, which occurred on 22 September 2025, resulting in fire burns sustained by the officer.

“Following the incident, the officer was immediately evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), where he received comprehensive medical treatment. Despite concerted efforts by the medical team to stabilise his condition, the officer sadly passed away on 6 October 2025 while receiving care.”

While commiserating with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, the Army expressed appreciation to the general public for their support and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and accountability in the conduct of its personnel.

“The Nigerian Army deeply commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased officer and prays for the repose of his soul,” the statement added.

Reports has it that the Nigerian Army maintains a strict internal system for investigating incidents involving its personnel, especially those resulting in injury or death.

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Such investigations are typically handled by boards of inquiry to establish the cause of the incident, determine if foul play was involved, and ensure accountability in line with military ethics and operational procedures.

Over the years, the Army has faced increasing public scrutiny over isolated cases of personnel deaths, including those arising from accidents, operational mishaps, and domestic incidents.

The military’s commitment to transparency in these matters has become more pronounced, particularly following recent calls for greater accountability within the security forces.