Nigeria: Amnesty International calls for investigation into alleged killings by DSS personnel in Abuja

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the alleged killing of two persons by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the Karmajiji community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The rights organisation made the call in a statement published on its official Facebook page on Thursday, where it described the incident as an extrajudicial execution and an abuse of power by security operatives.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) must investigate the extrajudicial execution of two persons by its personnel, Ajayi Abayomi. The incident which occurred on 19 January 2026 at Karmajiji community of the Federal Capital Territory is yet another indication of reckless and unlawful use of firearms and abuse of power,” Amnesty International said.

According to the organisation, the first victim, Musa Adamu, died a few hours after the incident, while the second victim, Mallam Suleiman Salisu, died on Wednesday, January 28, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.

“The DSS must investigate this horrifying incident and ensure that the suspect is brought to justice through a fair trial. This gross violation of human rights must not be swept under the carpet,” the statement added.

Amnesty International further warned that misconduct by security operatives poses a serious threat to public safety and trust, noting that, “While security personnel are supposed to protect people, gradually some of them are unleashing terror on society, creating a toxic climate of fear and corruption.”

The organisation said such actions “undermine trust and leave people vulnerable to wanton atrocities.”

The organisation also expressed concern over the alleged involvement of security personnel in civil matters, stressing that, “Amnesty International is deeply concerned that in addition to their stated remit of ensuring law and order, some security personnel investigate civil matters and in some cases torture suspects involved in contractual, business and even non-criminal disputes.”