A Nigerian soldier has lost his life in a tragic fire outbreak that occurred early Saturday at the Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Peoples Gazette can report.

The Gazette learnt from military sources Monday that the deceased soldier, Mashat Geofrey, a staff sergeant, was fatally burnt after being trapped in the inferno which engulfed his apartment situated in the barracks.

The cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained by military authorities, sources said, although his family had since been notified.

Our sources added that the remains of the slain serviceman have been evacuated by personnel of 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital (DMSH), Maimalari.

“Investigation will be conducted to unravel the mystery of the unfortunate incident,” an army correspondence cited by our sources stated.

Mr. Geofrey was involved in counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast before his demise.