The military has arrested five members of a vigilante group in connection with the d3ath of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State.
LIB reported that the victim was hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired during a wedding ceremony in Ngomari area of the state capital on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba,Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, April 6, said investigation has been initiated in collaboration with relevant state authorities to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, the vigilantes later identified as members of an escorts team attached to a Local Government Area chairman engaged in sporadic firing into the air during the celebration when the tragic incident occurred.
The command described the act as unprofessional and unauthorised, stressing that the CJTF is a support group and is not permitted to handle or discharge firearms in civilian settings.
“The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has taken decisive action following the incident involving the unauthorised discharge of firearms in Borno State, which tragically resulted in the loss of an innocent live,” the statement read.
“In the Ngomari general area, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested five suspects linked to the unlawful use of firearms during a social event.
“The incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on 4 April, 2026, when vigilantes later identified as members of an escorts team attached to the Chairman of a Local Government Area engaged in sporadic firing into the air during a wedding celebration at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.
“The reckless act led to the d3ath of a young girl. Acting swiftly, troops traced and apprehended five suspects identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).
“The suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
“The Theatre Command strongly condemns the act, describing it as highly unprofessional, unauthorised, and a clear violation of established regulations governing the handling and use of firearms.
“It reiterates that the Civilian Joint Task Force operates strictly as a support group and is not permitted to engage in indiscriminate use of firearms under any circumstances, particularly within civilian environments.
“A comprehensive investigation has been initiated in collaboration with relevant state authorities, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government, to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the Maiduguri incident and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
“While the general security situation in the affected areas remains calm, troops have sustained heightened vigilance to maintain law and order.
“The Theatre Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of civilians.”
