Amnesty International has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently investigate the killing of two men allegedly by one of its personnel, Ajayi Abayomi, in Karmajiji community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The rights group said the incident, which occurred on January 19, 2026, highlights the persistent problem of reckless and unlawful use of firearms by security operatives and the abuse of power.
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According to Amnesty International, one of the victims, Musa Adamu, died a few hours after the incident, while the second victim, Mallam Suleiman Salisu, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, January 28, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
In a statement, Amnesty International said the DSS must ensure a thorough investigation and bring the suspect to justice through a fair and transparent trial.
“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 organisation said.
The group warned that repeated incidents involving security operatives undermine public trust and expose citizens to grave abuses.
“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. Such incidents undermine trust and leave people vulnerable to wanton atrocities,” Amnesty International stated.
The organisation also recalled a similar incident that occurred on September 7, 2023, when a DSS operative allegedly killed a fashion designer at the Garki International Market in Abuja following an altercation involving the operative’s girlfriend and her tailor.
According to Amnesty International, the operative reportedly arrived at the market with a loaded firearm after the tailor was accused of failing to sew clothes on time.
Amnesty International expressed broader concern over what it described as the growing involvement of security personnel in civil disputes.
“We are 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,” the group said.
The organisation urged the authorities to rein in security agencies and ensure accountability to prevent further human rights violations.
