NYSC member killed in Abuja ‘crossfire’ as army, family give conflicting accounts

Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has died after being shot during an incident involving soldiers of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Unit in Dei-Dei, Abuja.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Shagari Estate.

In a statement, the Guards Brigade said its troops responded to a distress call from residents who were reportedly under attack by armed robbers. According to the army, the soldiers came under fire from the fleeing suspects upon arrival, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire.

The army stated that Jamiu was caught in the crossfire during the operation and later died from his injuries despite efforts to save him.

The brigade described the situation as “fluid and highly volatile,” adding that the deceased’s remains had been deposited at Kubwa General Hospital. It also extended condolences to Jamiu’s family, the NYSC, and the public, while announcing that a full investigation had been launched.

Olawuyi Odunola, acting assistant director of army public relations, said the brigade remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and would review its operational procedures.

However, a source close to the deceased’s family has disputed the army’s version of events, alleging that there was no exchange with armed robbers.

In a post on X, the source claimed the soldiers fired indiscriminately, insisting that Jamiu was not caught in any crossfire.

“The army is not telling the truth. Jamiu was not caught in any crossfire with robbers. The soldiers came shooting and killed him. The story of armed robbers is false and meant to cover what really happened,” the source said.

The source added that residents of the estate are demanding an independent investigation beyond the military’s internal probe.

As of the time of filing this report, the NYSC has not issued an official statement on the incident.