The family of a National Youth Service Corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, reportedly killed by soldiers in Abuja, has demanded a retraction of the Nigerian Army’s initial “crossfire” statement, labelling the military’s account an “insult” to the deceased’s memory.
An X statement posted by Abu Bakr on behalf of the family revealed that this demand followed a Monday morning visit to the family residence by a military delegation, reportedly led by Brigadier S.O. Buhari.
During the visit, part of which was captured in a video shared alongside the statement, the military delegation reportedly admitted to being unaware that the house was fenced or that the shooting took place in a downstairs room.
The statement read, “This morning, 27 April 2026, representatives from HQ Nigerian Army, led by Brigadier S. O. Buhari, visited the family to offer condolences and to inspect the scene of the incident.
“During the visit, they stated that they were unaware that the house was fenced and that the room where the shooting occurred was located downstairs. This contradicts their earlier claim, suggesting the death resulted from a ‘stray bullet.’
“The delegation expressed condolences and assured the family that the officers involved would be investigated and held accountable.”
The family expressed distrust toward the military authorities, noting that some personnel had visited the scene on Sunday before the military statement was even issued.
They are now demanding a formal retraction of the Army’s press release and a public apology.
“The family has formally demanded the retraction of the initial statement and a public apology for what they consider an insult to the memory of their son,” the statement continued.
“Although there was a promise to delete the statement, the family made it clear that trust has already been undermined, especially given that some military personnel had visited the scene yesterday before issuing the statement in question.
“We reiterate our demand that those responsible for the killing of Abdulsalam Jamiu be brought to justice. This was not an accident. He was in his home; military men entered the premises, approached his room, and shot him through the door. Twice. This was not a mistake,” it added.
PUNCH reports that the Nigerian Army released a statement on Sunday stating that troops were on a routine night patrol when they responded to a distress call regarding an armed robbery.
The troops reportedly came under fire from fleeing suspects, leading to a “gun duel,” and Jamiu was tragically “caught in the crossfire” during the exchange.
The family had earlier rejected the Army’s account of the circumstances surrounding the death of their 24-year-old son, insisting that he was shot by soldiers inside his home and not caught in crossfire as claimed by the military.
They reportedly demanded justice and an immediate, transparent investigation, seeking answers from the military, including the identity of the commanding officer involved, the source of the alleged robbery report, and why force was used without confirming any threat.
Jamiu, who was just one month away from completing his national service, was reportedly killed at approximately 2:00 am on Saturday.
Watch the video from the military’s visit below:
