The headquarters of the 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, has debunked reports that one of its officers, Lieutenant Alphonsus Bazza, committed suicide.
The Army, in a statement titled ‘Re-Nigerian Army Captain Reportedly Committed Suicide in Akwa Ibom’ issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, clarified that the late officer died in the line of duty.
The statement was signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Major Jonah Danjuma.
The 6 Division, Nigerian Army Spokesman said Bazza 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.
While noting that the Army is a professional body that places a premium on the welfare of its troops, he urged the media to refrain from publishing narratives that suggest that the security outfit is complicit in the officer’s ‘unfortunate demise’.
The statement reads, “The attention of Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army has been drawn to a publication making the rounds in the media over the unfortunate demise of Lieutenant Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza.
“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.
“For the records, on November 11, 2023, the officer was not seen at the Step-up Headquarters, all efforts to reach him proved abortive. Hence, a search was launched in the general area, and his lifeless body was discovered.
“The Division sympathises 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 Division wishes to inform the general public that the issue is being thoroughly investigated and the public will be duly informed on the outcome of the investigation.”