A serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has reportedly died after being shot during a military response operation in Dei-Dei, Abuja.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Shagari Estate, according to reports confirmed by the Headquarters of the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Olawuyi Odunola, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the military said troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group were deployed on routine night patrol when they received alerts of an ongoing robbery attack in the area.
According to the Army, the soldiers arrived at the scene and were allegedly engaged in a brief exchange of gunfire with fleeing suspects. During the incident, the corps member was said to have been caught in the crossfire and later died from his injuries despite efforts to save him.
The military described the situation as “fluid and highly volatile,” adding that its personnel were attempting to repel the attackers while protecting residents in the area.
The Guards Brigade expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, the NYSC, and the wider public, describing the incident as a painful loss.
It also announced that a full investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting, while assuring transparency and accountability in the process.
The Army further stated that the remains of the deceased corps member have been released to civil authorities and deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.
However, the Army’s account has been disputed by a source said to be close to the family, who alleged that the military narrative was inaccurate and that there was no exchange of fire with armed robbers. The source claimed that soldiers fired indiscriminately, resulting in the death of the corps member.
Residents of the area have also reportedly called for an independent investigation into the incident beyond the military’s internal probe.
Meanwhile, the mother of the deceased corps member has appealed for justice in an emotional video circulating online, mourning the loss of her son and demanding accountability for his death.
The incident has sparked public concern, with calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
