A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has been killed after he was caught in a crossfire during a gun battle between soldiers and suspected armed robbers in the Dei-Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
NGGOSSIPS Metro learnt that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the Shagari Estate area of the community.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Odunola Olawuyi, said troops of the Army’s Quick Response Group were on routine night patrol when they responded to a distress call over an armed robbery attack in the area.
He said the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing suspects upon arrival, leading to a gun duel.
Olawuyi disclosed that Jamiu was caught in the crossfire during the exchange.
“Headquarters Guards Brigade regrets the tragic loss of Mr Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving National Youth Service Corps member, during a security incident in the early hours of April 25, 2026, at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, Abuja.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group, on routine night patrol, responded to a distress call following an armed robbery attack in the area.
“Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange. In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire,” the statement read in part.
Olawuyi added that despite efforts by the troops to secure the area and protect residents, the corps member succumbed to his injuries.
Describing the incident as tragic, the military noted that the situation at the time was volatile as troops attempted to repel the attackers and safeguard the community.
“This heartbreaking loss has cast a deep shadow over all personnel of the Guards Brigade. Preliminary information indicates that the situation was fluid and highly volatile, as troops worked to repel the attackers and protect residents of the community from harm.
“The Commander, Guards Brigade, officers and soldiers extend their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the National Youth Service Corps, and all those affected by this painful loss. We share in their grief and stand in solidarity with them during this moment of profound sorrow,” the statement added.
The remains of the deceased were deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.
The army also said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, assuring that the findings would be made public.
“Guards Brigade affirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property within 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,” Olawuyi stated.
Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
Reacting to the incident, a platform that documents military activities, Nigerian Armed Forces Diary, in a Facebook post on Sunday, condemned the development and called for an immediate investigation.
“The young man in this picture is dead! Until his untimely death, he was a serving NYSC corps member. In his own room at Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, Abuja, officers from the @HQNigerianArmy shot and blew up his head, claiming it was a ‘mistake.’ Late Samad was not a criminal. He was simply serving his fatherland, only to be killed by those paid to protect him.
“We demand that the military hierarchy immediately investigate this incident, punish the officers involved, and ensure his family gets justice. May this not happen to any of us,” the platform wrote.
NGGOSSIPS Metro reported on April 23 that another member of the NYSC, Ben Agir, was allegedly beaten to death by members of a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred in the Anibros settlement during a night patrol by the vigilantes.
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