Soldiers Kill Civilian in Abuja; Army Claims 'Crossfire,' Family Disputes Narrative

The recent killing of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, in his Abuja home by troops of the Brigade of Guards, has once again ignited serious concerns about the increasing encroachment of the military into roles traditionally assigned to the police. The Nigerian Army's claim that Jamiu was 'caught in crossfire' while responding to a robbery call is met with strong skepticism by the family, who insist their son was shot through his door after soldiers forcibly entered the premises. This stark contradiction underscores a pattern of alleged impunity and a disturbing lack of accountability when military personnel engage in civilian law enforcement.

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SOLDIERS have killed yet another civilian. Abdulsamad Jamiu, a young man serving his country under the NYSC scheme, was gunned down on April 25 right in his room in Dei-Dei, Abuja, by troops of the Brigade of Guards.

At The Punch, we are deeply troubled by this recurring phenomenon. The incident in Dei-Dei, Abuja, is not an isolated event but symptomatic of a broader, dangerous trend: the steady drift of the military into policing duties. This overreach, as evidenced by soldiers directing traffic in Lagos and assaulting a journalist, leads to predictable and often tragic consequences. The military is trained for national defense, not for routine policing, which requires a different skill set, temperament, and accountability framework. When soldiers assume these roles, the potential for abuse of force and disregard for civilian rights escalates dramatically.

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The Nigerian Army claims he was “caught in crossfire” while responding to a robbery distress call.

History is replete with examples of such dangerous overlaps. From the humiliation of Uzoma Okere in Lagos in 2008 to the shocking killing of police officers and a civilian in Taraba State in 2019 by soldiers who then released a suspect, and the burning of a police station in Ogun State in 2023 following an altercation, these incidents highlight the volatile consequences of blurred mandates. The deployment of elite units like the Guards Brigade, typically tasked with protecting the seat of power, in civilian residential areas to chase robbers raises fundamental questions about security architecture and resource allocation.

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Jamiu’s family insists there was no robbery and no exchange of gunfire. Their son, they say, was shot through his door after soldiers scaled the fence, entered the house and opened fire.

This situation demands urgent attention from both military and civilian authorities. A clear delineation of roles and responsibilities between the police and the military is essential. Furthermore, robust mechanisms for investigation and prosecution must be established to ensure that soldiers who commit offenses against civilians are held accountable. The narrative of 'crossfire' must not be allowed to obscure the truth, and the family of Abdulsamad Jamiu deserves justice. The Punch will continue to advocate for reforms that prevent the military from hijacking police duties and ensure the safety and rights of all citizens.

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Footage shows apparent bullet holes on the door.