A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abdulsamad Jamiu, has been killed in a security operation to quell  a armed robbery incident in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja.

The incident occurred in the early hours of April 25 at Shagari Estate, when troops of the Guards Brigade’s Quick Response Group responded to a distress call over a robbery attack in the neighbourhood.

In a statement on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola, the armed robbers fleeing the scene opened fire on the troops upon their arrival and it led to a brief exchange of gunfire.

The corps member was reportedly caught in the crossfire and later died from injuries sustained in the incident.

The Guards Brigade described the situation as fluid and highly volatile, noting that the troops were deployed in efforts to repel the attackers and safeguard residents at the time of the shooting.

“This heartbreaking loss has cast a deep shadow over all personnel of the Guards Brigade,” the statement said.

The spokesperson added that the remains of the deceased corps member had been handed over to relevant civil authorities and deposited at the Kubwa General Hospital.

The commander of the Guards Brigade extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the NYSC, and others affected by the incident, assuring that a thorough investigation had been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the killing.

The brigade reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory, adding that it would review its operational procedures to enhance civilian safety.

It urged urged residents to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies.