One dead, two injured after alleged DSS operative fires during traffic dispute in Abuja

One person has been confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries after a Department of State Services (DSS) operative reportedly discharged a firearm during a confrontation in Abuja.

The incident, which occurred at Karmajiji village in the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was reported by Daily Trust on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Witnesses said the trouble began on January 19 when a pickup truck broke down at a junction leading into the village, causing a serious traffic jam. 

A DSS operative identified as Ajayi Abayomi, who was driving a Peugeot 406, was said to have become frustrated and allegedly confronted the pickup driver, accusing him of blocking the road.

According to eyewitness accounts, the operative reportedly slapped the driver, drawing the attention of residents. A man identified as Ibrahim Sarkin Samari was said to have rushed in to intervene.

One witness, Muazu Kabiru, claimed that tensions quickly escalated.

“Before we knew it, the officer opened his car, brought out a pistol and fired,” he said.

The bullet reportedly missed Ibrahim but struck Musa Adamu, who was sitting in front of a nearby shop. 

Two other residents, Salisu Suleiman and Yakubu Samaila, were also hit by the stray shot while seated close to the victim.

Angered by the shooting, residents allegedly attacked the operative’s vehicle, vandalising it before police officers from a nearby outpost arrived to restore calm. The DSS operative reportedly fled the scene, while his car was taken to the police post.

Musa Adamu was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, where he was later pronounced dead. The two injured victims were treated for abdominal wounds and later discharged.

Salisu Suleiman, one of the survivors, said he was not even close to the confrontation when the shot was fired.

“I just heard a gunshot and suddenly felt a bullet hit my stomach,” he recalled.

Another witness, Shuaibu Ishaq, alleged that the operative appeared to be targeting Ibrahim specifically after he intervened.

“He was not in uniform and was slapping the driver. When Ibrahim stepped in, the officer ran to his car, brought out a gun and fired,” Ishaq said.

Residents said the FCT Director of the DSS had taken over the matter and that the agency had settled hospital bills for the injured victims. The DSS was also said to have promised compensation to the family of the deceased.

Musa Adamu, described as a cleric, Arabic teacher, and property agent, is survived by two wives and seven children.

A police source confirmed that the case had been transferred to the FCT Command, adding that the operative involved had not yet been apprehended.

Meanwhile, a DSS source claimed the officer fired in self-defence to avoid being attacked by a mob, insisting that those injured had since been discharged.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents, many questioning how a traffic dispute could escalate into a deadly shooting.

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