Tragedy struck Karmajiji, also known as Karon Majigi village, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly opened fire on three residents, killing two and critically injuring another. The incident, which occurred on January 19, 2026, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the use of force by security personnel and accountability within Nigeria’s security architecture.
The DSS operative, identified as Ajayi Abayomi, is said to have gone into hiding following the shooting. Police sources confirmed that Abayomi has failed to honour an official invitation extended to him to assist with ongoing investigations into the incident.
According to preliminary police accounts, the DSS operative claimed that the shooting was accidental, insisting that he unintentionally pulled the trigger of his pistol. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident, as narrated by witnesses and family members of the victims, have raised serious questions about the credibility of that claim.
A police source familiar with the investigation told SaharaReporters that the three victims were unarmed civilians who were going about their lawful activities when they were shot.
“The three men were going about their lawful business when he shot them,” the source said. “The bullet first hit Musa Adamu, who later died. The same bullet sliced through the stomach wall of Mallam Suleiman Salisu and finally ended its journey in the left hand of Abdullahi Ahmed.”
Musa Adamu reportedly died a few hours after the shooting on January 19. Mallam Suleiman Salisu, who sustained severe abdominal injuries, battled for life for several days but eventually succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, January 28, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja.
The third victim, Abdullahi Ahmed, who was shot in the hand, is said to be in critical condition and still receiving treatment at FMC Abuja. Medical sources disclosed that Ahmed is “battling for his life,” with doctors working to prevent complications arising from blood loss and possible infection.
The deaths have thrown the Karmajiji community into mourning, with residents describing the incident as senseless and avoidable. Community members said the victims were known, peace loving residents who posed no threat to anyone.
A brother of one of the deceased victims confirmed the incident and expressed deep grief over the loss, describing the shooting as an act of recklessness by a security operative entrusted with protecting lives.
“Innalillahi wa’inna ilaihi raji’un,” he said, invoking an Islamic prayer for the dead. “May Allah compensate my deceased brother for losing his life to a careless DSS officer who shot him without any fault. He shot him in the stomach.”
He added that the family was seeking justice and divine intervention, stressing that the victims had committed no offence that warranted the use of lethal force.
“We are praying to Allah to grant us our rights. May Allah suffice us and we call for our rights to be granted,” he said.
The grieving relative explained that although the shooting occurred on January 19, his brother passed away days later while undergoing treatment in Abuja.
“This incident happened last Monday. But Allah accepted my brother today in Abuja. We are here at FMC Abuja now to take away his corpse as he is a Muslim,” he said.
Residents of Karmajiji said fear and anger have gripped the community since the incident. Many accused security operatives of acting with impunity, especially in rural and semi urban settlements around the Federal Capital Territory.
“This is not the first time security personnel have shot innocent people and nothing happened,” a community leader said. “They come here with guns and power, and ordinary people pay with their lives.”
The alleged refusal of the DSS operative to cooperate with police investigators has further fueled public outrage. A senior police source disclosed that Abayomi has not reported himself since the incident, despite being formally invited for questioning.
“He has refused to honour the invitation sent to him,” the source said. “Efforts are ongoing to locate him and ensure he answers questions regarding the shooting.”
Human rights advocates have condemned the incident, calling for an independent investigation and prosecution of the officer involved. They argued that describing the shooting as accidental does not absolve the operative of responsibility, especially given the fatal outcome.
“This is a clear case of abuse of firearms,” a rights activist said. “Accidental or not, two Nigerians are dead, another is fighting for his life, and the officer responsible is allegedly in hiding. That is unacceptable in a democracy.”
Legal experts also noted that Nigerian law requires security operatives to exercise utmost restraint in the use of firearms, particularly in civilian environments.
“The rules of engagement are clear,” a lawyer said. “A firearm should never be discharged unless there is an imminent threat to life. From available accounts, these victims posed no threat.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Department of State Services had not issued any official statement on the incident, nor clarified the status of the operative involved. Repeated attempts to reach DSS spokespersons for comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, families of the victims are calling on the Federal Government, the DSS leadership and relevant authorities to ensure justice is served. They are demanding a transparent investigation, prosecution of the suspect and adequate compensation for the families of those killed and injured.
The incident has once again brought to the fore concerns over accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights within Nigeria’s security agencies. For residents of Karmajiji, the hope is that the deaths of Musa Adamu and Mallam Suleiman Salisu will not be added to the long list of unresolved cases involving alleged abuses by security operatives.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the law will take its full course or whether, once again, justice will be delayed or denied.
