Nigerian Army officer dies after wife allegedly sets him ablaze in Akwa Ibom

A Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has died from severe burns after his wife allegedly doused him with petrol and set him ablaze during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks in Akwa Ibom State.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred on September 22, 2025, at the army barracks located in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area.

Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the development on Tuesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

According to sources cited by Makama, the officer — who was also a medical doctor serving as the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) at the 6 Battalion — had an argument with his wife, Mrs Samson Haruna, which quickly escalated into violence.

“She allegedly poured petrol on him and set him on fire,” the source said. “He sustained serious burns and was first treated at the Military Reference Section (MRS) in the barracks before being moved to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.”

Despite intensive medical care, Lieutenant Haruna reportedly succumbed to his injuries days later.

Security authorities have since arrested the suspect, who is currently in custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.

The Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.