THE Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, during a security operation in Dei-Dei, Abuja.
But its account of the incident differs from claims circulating on social media over how the corps member died.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 26, by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, Olawuyi Odunola, the Army said Jamiu died in the early hours of April 25, during an armed robbery incident at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei.
According to the statement, troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group were on routine night patrol when they responded to a distress call following an armed robbery attack in the area.
The Army said the troops came under gunfire from fleeing armed robbers upon arrival, leading to what it described as a “brief but intense exchange.”
It stated that the corps member was caught in the crossfire during the gun battle.
“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.
The Army added that preliminary information indicated the situation was “fluid and highly volatile” as troops worked to repel the attackers and protect residents of the community.
However, social media accounts of the incident presented a different version, alleging that the deceased, identified online as Samad, was mistakenly shot by soldiers inside his room at Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei.
Several posts claimed Army officers shot the corps member in his apartment and later described it as a mistake.
One viral post read, “Until his untimely death, he was a serving NYSC corps member. In his own room at Shagari Quarters, Deidei, Abuja, officers from the Nigerian Army shot and blew his head claiming it was a mistake.”
Military orders probe
Meanwhile, the Guards Brigade said it had commenced a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Army said the remains of the deceased had been handed over to the appropriate civil authorities and deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M
Death during shooting incidents can occur especially in the night when identification is very difficult compared to during the day. Soldiers are trained to kill and when they are under attack that self preservation kicks in. Sometimes it escalates to shoot at sight during which error of identification could happen.
Training the soldiers to cordon off an area of security breach until day break will solve the problem. Like keep an estate under lock down till 6 am. If that was done then,all the residents of that locality will be indoors till 6 am. Only those trying to exit or outside will be detained or shot.
It seperate the criminals shooting the soldiers based on their claims to be outside and not inside the houses. If they fired from houses and move away then when soldiers reach the location,patience is needed to identify the occupants. They can be arrested searched and identification sought to be verified. No hurry killing at the scene at all because justice for innocent must be protected at all costs. Bullet proof vests should be provided for those on patrol due to possibility of coming under gun fire and this will enable them to tactically defuse the situation ,to make arrests and secure the area. Without bullet proof vests the gun is the last line of defense for the armed soldiers and definitely,they will use them,when under attack.
May the soul of the slain youth corper rest in perfect peace Amen.