Military forces have taken into custody five individuals associated with a vigilante organisation in connection with the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
Reports indicate that the young girl lost her life after being hit by a stray bullet, which is alleged to have been fired during a wedding celebration held in the Ngomari neighbourhood on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The incident occurred within her home.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, who serves as the Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Monday, April 6. He stated that an investigation has been launched, in cooperation with relevant state authorities, to fully determine the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate event.
According to the statement, the arrested vigilantes were part of an escort team assigned to a Local Government Area chairman. They reportedly engaged in indiscriminate firing into the air during the celebratory event when the tragic incident took place.
The military command has characterised the vigilantes' actions as unprofessional and unauthorised, emphasising that the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) is designated as a support unit and is explicitly prohibited from handling or discharging firearms in civilian settings.
"The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has implemented decisive measures following an incident involving the unauthorised discharge of firearms in Borno State, which regrettably resulted in the loss of an innocent life," the official statement detailed.
"In the Ngomari area, troops under Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have successfully apprehended five suspects linked to the illicit use of firearms during a social gathering.
"This unfortunate event transpired around 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, when individuals identified as members of an escort team attached to a Local Government Area Chairman were observed firing shots into the air at a wedding ceremony located in the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.
"This reckless behaviour led to the death of a young girl. Prompt action by the troops resulted in the apprehension of five suspects, identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).
"These individuals are currently in custody and will be transferred to the appropriate legal bodies for further scrutiny and prosecution as stipulated by the law.
"The Theatre Command unequivocally condemns this act, labelling it as highly unprofessional, unauthorised, and a clear breach of the regulations governing the use of firearms.
"It further stresses that the Civilian Joint Task Force functions solely as a support entity and is forbidden from discharging firearms indiscriminately under any circumstances, particularly within populated areas.
"A thorough investigation has commenced, involving collaboration with key state bodies, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government, to thoroughly examine the sequence of events in Maiduguri and guarantee that all individuals found culpable face justice.
"While the general security environment in the affected regions remains stable, military personnel are maintaining a heightened state of alertness to preserve law and order.
"The Theatre Command extends its sincere sympathies to the grieving families and reassures the public of its steadfast dedication to ensuring justice, accountability, and the protection of all citizens."
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