A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abdulsamad Jamiu, has died after being hit during a shooting incident involving soldiers of the guards brigade quick response team in Dei-Dei, Abuja.
The incident reportedly happened 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 over an attack by suspected armed robbers, adding that Jamiu was caught in the crossfire during the operation.
“Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange,” the statement read.
“In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire. Despite efforts by troops to secure the area and preserve lives, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.”
The brigade described the situation as “fluid and highly volatile” and confirmed that Jamiu’s remains had been handed over to civil authorities at Kubwa General Hospital.
The army extended condolences to the deceased’s family, the NYSC, and the public, adding that a full investigation into the incident had been initiated.
Olawuyi Odunola, acting assistant director of army public relations, said the guards brigade remains committed to protecting lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and will review its operational procedures.
However, a source close to the family disputed the army’s account, alleging that the shooting was not linked to any exchange with armed robbers.
“The army is not telling the truth. Jamiu was not caught in any crossfire with robbers. The soldiers came shooting and killed him. This story of armed robbers and crossfire is a lie 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 this report, the NYSC has not issued an official statement on the incident.