An incident involving a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Ajayi Abayomi, on January 19, 2026, in the Karmajiji community of Abuja, has led to the deaths of two residents and serious injury to another, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights bodies like Amnesty International. The organization has vehemently called for an immediate investigation into the alleged killings, describing them as a grave abuse of power and a blatant violation of human rights, urging the DSS to ensure a transparent and fair trial for the suspect.

According to multiple reports, the tragic event unfolded following a traffic gridlock caused by a broken-down pickup vehicle at the junction leading to Karmajiji village. DSS operative Ajayi Abayomi, who was reportedly driving a Peugeot 406 and caught in the congestion, alighted from his vehicle and allegedly slapped the pickup driver. The situation escalated when Ibrahim Sarkin Samari rushed to the scene to intervene. Witnesses claimed that Abayomi then retrieved a pistol from his car and fired, missing his intended target, Ibrahim, but hitting others nearby.

The bullet first struck Musa Adamu, a cleric and Arabic teacher, who was seated in front of a shop a few meters away and succumbed to his injuries within hours of the incident on January 19. The same bullet then reportedly sliced through the stomach wall of Mallam Suleiman Salisu and finally ended its trajectory in the left hand of Abdullahi Ahmed.

While initial reports from some witnesses indicated that Salisu Suleiman and another victim, Yakubu Samaila, sustained abdominal injuries and were treated and discharged, later information from Amnesty International and SaharaReporters confirmed that Mallam Suleiman Salisu tragically died on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, while receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. Abdullahi Ahmed is also reported to be battling for his life at FMC Abuja.

Amnesty International highlighted these killings as “yet another indication of reckless and unlawful use of firearms” by security personnel. The human rights body expressed deep concern that such incidents erode public trust and cultivate a climate of fear within communities. They further noted a pattern of security personnel overstepping their mandate, recalling a similar incident on September 7, 2023, where a DSS operative allegedly killed a fashion designer in Garki International Market following an altercation over delayed clothing delivery. Amnesty International has consistently voiced concerns about security operatives intervening in non-criminal matters, including civil and business disputes, sometimes leading to torture and other abuses.

Following the shooting, the DSS operative, Ajayi Abayomi, has reportedly gone into hiding and has not honored an invitation from the police to assist with their investigation. Abayomi had earlier claimed to the police that the shooting was unintentional, stating he accidentally pulled the trigger of his pistol. Conversely, an unnamed DSS source offered a different narrative, suggesting the operative fired a shot in self-defense to avoid being lynched by an angry mob that had reportedly descended on him and vandalized his vehicle after the shooting. The operative's vehicle was subsequently towed to a police outpost.

Local authorities and community leaders have also reacted to the incident. Police sources confirmed that the case has been transferred to the FCT Command, but the officer remains at large. The chief of Karmajiji village reportedly expressed deep displeasure over an officer shooting residents over a vehicle breakdown.

There have been claims that the FCT Directorate of the DSS has acknowledged the incident, paid hospital bills for some victims, and promised to pay “Diyya” (compensation) to the family of the deceased. However, Amnesty International emphasized that such gestures do not substitute for justice and accountability, stressing that failure to act decisively could embolden further violations by security agencies. They urged Nigerian authorities to rein in security agencies and ensure accountability to prevent a toxic climate of fear and corruption.