Captain Alphonsus Bazza’s death: Nigerian Army denies suicide claims, probes incident

The demise of Lieutenant Alphonsus Bazza, an officer in the Nigerian Army, has been officially confirmed by the military, dispelling rumors of his alleged suicide in Akwa Ibom State. In a statement released on Tuesday, November 14, by Danjuma Jonah, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, it was clarified that Lieutenant Bazza passed away while on duty at the 2 Brigade Step-Up Headquarters for Exercise STILL WATERS III in Essien Udim Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

According to the statement, the officer was not observed at the Step-Up Headquarters on November 11, and despite attempts to contact him, he could not be reached. Consequently, a search was initiated in the vicinity, leading to the discovery of his lifeless body.

Expressing condolences to the deceased officer’s family, the statement urged the media to refrain from publishing narratives insinuating any complicity in his demise. Emphasizing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel, the statement conveyed that the organization would not overlook the passing of any of its members under controversial circumstances.

The statement clarified that the military was conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and assured the public that the outcome would be communicated once the investigation concluded. It underscored the regimental precepts in place to handle such occurrences within the Nigerian Army, while refraining from engaging in disputes with media outlets spreading misinformation.