The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Shagari Estate, where troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group had responded to a distress call over an ongoing robbery attack.
A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abdulsamad Jamiu, has died from injuries sustained during a crossfire between soldiers and suspected armed robbers in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 25 April, at Shagari Estate, where troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group had responded to a distress call over an ongoing robbery attack.
According to a statement by the spokesperson for the brigade, Olawuyi Odunola, the soldiers came under fire from the fleeing suspects upon arrival, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire.
“In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire. Despite efforts by troops to secure the area and preserve lives, he sadly succumbed to his injuries,” Mr Odunola, a lieutenant, stated.
He added that the “heartbreaking loss has cast a deep shadow over all personnel of the Guards Brigade.”
He further described the situation as “fluid and highly volatile,” noting that troops were working to repel the attackers and protect residents at the time of the incident.
The spokesperson said the Guards Brigade has commenced an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and pledged that findings would be made public.
He added that the remains of the deceased have been handed over to civil authorities and deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.
“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 who are affected by this painful loss,” he said. “We share in their grief and stand in solidarity with them during this moment of profound sorrow.”
