Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Army and the family of a slain National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member have issued conflicting accounts over the circumstances surrounding his death during a security operation in Dei-Dei, Abuja, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Headquarters Guards Brigade confirmed the death of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a 24-year-old corps member, during what it described as a gun battle with armed robbers in the early hours of April 25 at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei.
According to the military, troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group responded to a distress call over an ongoing robbery but came under fire from fleeing suspects, leading to a “brief but intense exchange.” The Army said Jamiu was “caught in the crossfire” and later died from injuries sustained during the incident.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The unfortunate incident occurred when troops responded to a distress call following an armed robbery attack in the area,” the statement said, adding that efforts were made to secure the neighbourhood and protect residents.
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The Guards Brigade extended condolences to the deceased’s family and the National Youth Service Corps, noting that an investigation had been launched to determine the full circumstances of the incident. The remains of the corps member were deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.
However, the family of the deceased has strongly disputed the Army’s version, alleging that Jamiu was shot by soldiers inside his home and not during any exchange of gunfire.
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In a detailed rebuttal issued on their behalf, family representatives said the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when armed military personnel reportedly forced their way into the residence while claiming to be pursuing a suspect.
They alleged that Jamiu, who was inside his room with his siblings in the absence of their parents, locked his door out of fear. According to the family, soldiers then fired through the closed door, fatally hitting him.
“The trajectory of the bullet conclusively establishes that the shot was fired from outside the room, through the closed door,” the statement said, rejecting claims of a crossfire.
The family further alleged that soldiers at the scene instructed local vigilantes to clean up bloodstains, raising concerns about possible tampering with evidence. They also claimed that the personnel involved admitted at the scene that the shooting was a mistake an assertion they said was made in the presence of police officers.
The incident has drawn public outrage, with calls for accountability and an independent investigation into the actions of security personnel.
While the Army has pledged transparency, the conflicting narratives have intensified scrutiny over the conduct of troops during internal security operations in civilian areas.
As of press time, authorities had yet to release further details from the ongoing investigation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
