Eyewitnesses in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja have called the Nigerian Army a liar, sharing accounts of how soldiers barged into the apartment of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), shooting him to death.
The death, which occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, at Shagari Estate, led to immediate controversy as the military’s official account faces sharp contradictions from eyewitnesses and social media reports.
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Guards Brigade, the tragedy unfolded when troops of the Quick Response Group responded to a distress call regarding an ongoing armed robbery.
The Army maintains that upon arrival, soldiers were met with gunfire from fleeing suspects, leading to an intense exchange.
In the heat of this “fluid and highly volatile” situation, the military claims Jamiu was caught in the crossfire and succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to secure the area.
However, a far more distressing narrative has emerged from the local community and digital platforms.
Multiple social media accounts and viral posts allege that Jamiu, known affectionately as Samad, was not an accidental casualty of a street battle but was shot by soldiers while inside his own room at Shagari Quarters.
These reports claim that officers entered the apartment and discharged their weapons, later describing the fatal shooting as a mistake.
One widely shared post lamented that the young man’s life was cut short in the perceived safety of his home, directly challenging the military’s “crossfire” explanation.
In response to the growing outcry and the conflicting versions of the night’s events, the Guards Brigade has announced the commencement of a thorough investigation.
The military leadership expressed “heartfelt condolences” to Jamiu’s family and the NYSC, insisting that the Brigade remains committed to transparency and accountability.
They have promised that the findings of the internal probe will be made public in due course to ascertain the exact circumstances of the death.
The remains of the deceased have been handed over to civil authorities and are currently deposited at the Kubwa General Hospital.
While the Army reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory, the incident has left a deep shadow over the Brigade and fueled a tense atmosphere in Dei-Dei. #Securitynewsalert.com
#NYSC #Army #Defence #soldiers #Abuja
