The military has confirmed the killing of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and announced the launch of an investigation into the incident.
Reports indicated that the teenager was struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Saturday in the Costain area of the city.
In a statement on Monday, the spokesperson for the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, said five suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
“The 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 statement read.
He explained that the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. on 4 April 2026, when vigilantes—later identified as members of an escort team attached to a local government chairman—engaged in sporadic gunfire during a wedding celebration at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.
The suspects arrested were identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).
“They are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” Uba added.
The command condemned the act, describing it as unprofessional, unauthorised, and a violation of regulations governing firearm use. It stressed that the CJTF operates strictly as a support group and is not permitted to engage in indiscriminate shooting, particularly in civilian areas.
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 determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure accountability.
While noting that the security situation in the area remains calm, the military assured residents of continued vigilance and commitment to protecting civilians.
The command also extended condolences to the victim’s family.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement, the organisation said Nigerian authorities must probe the reckless use of firearms, noting that the girl was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while inside her home during celebratory gunfire at a nearby event.