The family of slain National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has rejected the Nigerian Army’s account that he died in a crossfire during an operation in Abuja.
They insisted he was shot inside his room at Shagari Estate, Dei‑Dei, around 2am on April 25, 2026, and demanded an independent investigation outside military control.
“He was shot in his room,” the family said, disputing claims that Jamiu was caught in an exchange of gunfire after troops responded to a robbery alarm.
According to relatives, a bullet was fired through the closed door of Jamiu’s room, striking him in the head. They argued that the trajectory and visible damage contradicted the Army’s version.
“The shot was fired from outside the room, through a closed door,” they stated.
The family alleged soldiers scaled the fence to enter the estate, leaving damaged barbed wire behind. They said neighbours were told by soldiers to clean bloodstains, raising concerns about evidence preservation.
They further claimed soldiers later admitted the shooting was a mistake in the presence of a Divisional Police Officer, and that a written statement confirmed an innocent person had been killed.
Jamiu’s grieving mother cried out in a viral video: “Here we are today, Nigeria has happened to me. I need justice, please. They killed him. They came for him.”
Army Response And Calls For Justice
The Guards Brigade had earlier said troops came under fire from fleeing robbers and that Jamiu was caught in the exchange.
Reacting on Sunday, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola, expressed regret. “We share in their grief and stand in solidarity with them during this moment of profound sorrow,” he said.
The Brigade confirmed a full investigation had been launched and pledged transparency. It stressed commitment to protecting lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory.
“We will continue to review our operational procedures to further enhance civilian safety, even as our troops confront criminal elements who threaten the peace of our communities,” the statement added.
The family has demanded suspension and prosecution of personnel involved, withdrawal of the Army’s earlier statement, and a formal public apology.
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