A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has died after being caught in crossfire during a military response to an armed robbery in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja.
The victim, identified as Abdulsamad Jamiu, was fatally injured in the early hours of Saturday, 25 April, during a security incident at Shagari Estate.
Troops from the Guards Brigade were on routine night patrol when they responded to a distress call reporting an armed robbery in progress.
According to a statement on Sunday by Lt Olawuyi Odunola, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, the soldiers came under gunfire on arrival as the suspects attempted to flee.
A brief exchange followed in what the Army described as a "highly volatile" situation.
Jamiu was struck during the confrontation and later died from his injuries, despite efforts by the troops to secure the area and prevent further harm to residents.
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His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from military officials.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, alongside officers and soldiers of the unit, extended "deepest and most heartfelt condolences" to the family of the deceased, his colleagues in the NYSC and others affected by the loss.
The Army said a thorough investigation has been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that its findings would be made public.
Officials stressed a commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the remains of the deceased have been released to civil authorities and deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.
Reaffirming its mandate to protect lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Guards Brigade said it would continue to review operational procedures to enhance civilian safety while confronting criminal activity.
Members of the public have been urged to remain calm and to continue cooperating with security agencies as efforts to maintain peace and security continue across the city of Abuja.