Nigeria: My Son Dreamt of Joining Army - Slain Corps Member's Father

28 April 2026

Engr. Sani Jimoh, father of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member allegedly shot dead by soldiers in Abuja, has said his late son had aspirations of joining the Nigerian Army.

Jamiu, 24, was killed inside his room in Dakwa, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, weeks before completing his service under the National Youth Service Corps.

According to the deceased's father, the family is seeking justice and support, noting his son's lifelong ambition.

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"My son dreamed of joining the Nigerian Army, so I asked them to fulfill his wish by enlisting one of his younger brothers into the service. And definitely, there is a need for compensation," he said while speaking at the scene on Monday.

The bereaved father also recounted his son's final moments, saying witnesses heard him cry out before he was shot.

"A small girl living with us said she heard my son asking, 'who is there, who is there,' before they responded with gunshots toward his room," he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said investigation into the incident is ongoing.

"Investigation is ongoing as our press release stated. Once the investigation is concluded, you will be updated," Lt. Olawuyi Odunola, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Guards Brigade, said in a chat with one of our correspondents.

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