Army Investigates Soldier After Fatal Shooting of 13-Year-Old Boy

Timothy Daniel, a 13-year-old child, was tragically shot and killed by a soldier on watch duty in the Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The Nigerian Army has opened an investigation into the incident.

The incident, which happened early on January 1, 2026, along Akongntekong Road in Ete, caused tension and indignation in the neighborhood.

The issue has been formally taken over by the Military Police, according to Captain Lawal Mohamed, Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade, Mbiokporo.

“The Military Police handled the incident and are currently conducting an investigation.” He promised to uphold due process.

Witnesses claim that the shooting happened at around 12:05 a.m. while the victim and his 15-year-old sister, Miracle Daniel, were on their way home from a crossover service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church.

Anthony Akpan, a local, informed Channels TV that Miracle had momentarily crossed the street close to the late former clan chief Clement Idemudo’s home, which is said to be a compound housing expats.

Akpan claimed that Miracle was approached inappropriately by a soldier stationed at the house. The soldier allegedly became hostile and threatened her when she objected and raised her voice.

A heated altercation apparently resulted from Timothy, who had been waiting nearby, confronting the soldier about the harassment.

The soldier allegedly fired his rifle, killing Timothy, escalating the tension. It was reported that the adolescent instantly passed away.

According to Akpan, “the soldier then withdrew into the compound, while other security personnel arrived later and removed the boy’s body.”

The murder caused fear and interfered with the local New Year’s celebrations. Akpan further disclosed that during the subsequent disturbances, a car owned by Obong Uyai Udoiwod, a former political aide to the chairman of the Ikot Abasi Local Government, was wrecked.