The military has confirmed the death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State, and announced the initiation of an investigation into the incident.
- +Military probes killing of young girl by stray bullet in Borno
The victim was reportedly hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired during a social event in the Costain area of the state capital on Saturday.
The victim was reportedly hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired during a social event in the Costain area of the state capital on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. 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 in part.
Uba explained that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, when vigilantes—later identified as members of an escort team attached to a Local Government Area chairman—allegedly engaged in sporadic gunfire during a wedding celebration at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.
“The reckless act led to the death 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,” he added.
The Theatre Command condemned the act, describing it as unprofessional, unauthorised, and a violation of regulations guiding the use of firearms.
It reiterated that the Civilian Joint Task Force operates strictly as a support group and is not permitted to engage in indiscriminate use of firearms, particularly in civilian areas.
Uba said a comprehensive investigation had 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 those responsible are brought to justice.
He added that the security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance to sustain law and order.
The military also commiserated with the family of the victim and reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of civilians.
Meanwhile, human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has called on the Federal Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation said, “Nigerian authorities must investigate the reckless use of firearms by the military that killed a girl in Maiduguri, Borno State.”
“The 14-year-old secondary school student was killed on Saturday, April 4, after being hit by a stray bullet while inside her home. The fatal shot was reportedly fired by military personnel engaged in celebratory gunfire during a wedding ceremony at a nearby event centre,” it added.
