An indigene of Okpuala in Ngor-Okpuala, Imo State, serving in the Nigerian Army, tragically took his own life in front of the 144 Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) gate.
The soldier, identified as Vitalis, was a senior non-commissioned officer with the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM). He reportedly shot himself without leaving a suicide note.
Prior to his death, he was assigned to the 14 Brigade Headquarters at Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barracks in Ohafia, located in the Ohafia local government area of Abia State.
Security sources told The Nation that a comprehensive and discreet investigation is necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s suicide. Premature conclusions or speculation could jeopardize the integrity of the investigation, which is being overseen by the army’s leadership in the state. Notably, there were no reported incidents of domestic violence or disciplinary actions against Vitalis prior to his death, indicating that the reasons for his actions may be complex and warrant a thorough inquiry.
The tragedy struck the military camp just months before the soldier’s scheduled retirement in October. After mysteriously disappearing without communication for two weeks, Vitalis reappeared at the camp, only to take his own life shortly thereafter. His sudden death has left his colleagues in shock and searching for answers to what might have driven him to such despair.
