Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the Department of State Services, DSS, to immediately investigate the alleged extrajudicial killing of two men by one of its operatives, Ajayi Abayomi, describing the incident as a serious breach of human rights.
The organisation made the call in a statement posted on its official Facebook page. It said the incident occurred on January 19, 2026, in the Karmajiji community of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Amnesty International stated that one of the victims, Musa Adamu, died a few hours after the incident. It added that the second victim, Mallam Suleiman Salisu, died on Wednesday, January 28, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, where he had been receiving medical care.
The rights group described the alleged killings as “yet another indication of reckless and unlawful use of firearms and abuse of power by security personnel,” and insisted that the DSS must conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation. It also demanded that the suspect face justice through a fair and open trial.
According to Amnesty International, “This gross violation of human rights must not be swept under the carpet.”
The organisation raised concerns that although security agencies have a mandate to protect lives and property, the actions of some operatives now spread fear within communities. It said such conduct weakens public confidence and exposes citizens to abuse.
Amnesty International also referred to a previous case from September 7, 2023, when a DSS operative allegedly killed a fashion designer at Garki International Market, Abuja, after a dispute. The group said the incident followed a disagreement linked to the operative’s girlfriend and her tailor.
According to Amnesty, the operative allegedly went to the market with a loaded firearm because the fashion designer failed to complete sewing clothes on time.
The organisation further warned that it is troubled by what it described as a growing trend where some security personnel allegedly interfere in civil disputes, including business and contractual matters. It said such interventions sometimes involve torture, even when the cases are not criminal.
Amnesty International Nigeria called on authorities to take firm steps to end impunity, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that security agencies operate within the limits of the law while respecting human rights.
