Military Investigates Maiduguri Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Girl, Arrests Five Suspects

The Nigerian military has confirmed the death of a 14‑year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State, and has arrested five suspects in connection with the incident. The tragedy reportedly occurred during celebratory gunfire at a wedding in the Costain area of the city.

According to Lt. Col. Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the girl was struck by a stray bullet fired by vigilantes later identified as members of an escorts team linked to a Local Government Chairman. The incident took place around 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.

Troops from Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), quickly traced and apprehended five suspects: Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18). The suspects are now in custody and will be handed over to authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

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• BREAKING: Kebbi Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ankwai Dies in Egypt
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The military condemned the act, describing it as “highly unprofessional, unauthorized, and a clear violation of regulations governing firearms.” It reiterated that the CJTF operates strictly as a support group and is prohibited from engaging in indiscriminate shooting in civilian areas.

A comprehensive investigation is underway 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 of the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

While security forces say the overall situation in the area remains calm, troops have been placed on heightened vigilance to maintain order. The military also extended condolences to the victim’s family, reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, and civilian protection.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have called for a thorough and transparent investigation. AI highlighted that the girl was inside her home when struck and warned that the reckless use of firearms by security or affiliated groups raises serious civilian safety concerns.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter firearms regulation and greater oversight of vigilante groups operating in support of security agencies, emphasizing the need to protect innocent civilians from such tragedies.

Military Investigates Maiduguri Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Girl, Arrests Five Suspects

NGE, SERAP, NUJ Petition Tinubu to Investigate Wike’s Threat Against TV Journalist

The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), the Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have petitioned President Bola Tinubu to investigate a controversial remark by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which was interpreted as a threat against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.

The groups, in a joint statement, condemned Wike’s comment and urged the federal government to conduct a thorough, transparent, and effective investigation. They emphasized the need to ensure the safety and protection of journalists against intimidation and harassment while carrying out their duties.

Wike’s controversial statement came during a media interaction in Abuja last Friday. Responding to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today regarding concerns over the 2027 elections and the potential dominance of a single party, Wike said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The remark sparked nationwide criticism, with media groups describing it as a threat to press freedom.

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Although Wike later clarified that his comment was figurative and expressed regret, NGE, SERAP, and NUJ warned that such rhetoric is dangerous and undermines the constitutional rights of journalists. They highlighted growing pressures on press freedom in Nigeria, noting that the country dropped ten places to 122nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, amid increasing reports of assaults, arrests, and intimidation against journalists.

The organisations also called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with relevant agencies to investigate threats against media practitioners and hold perpetrators accountable. They stressed that public officials must remain open to scrutiny and criticism and that journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear.

In addition, the groups cautioned against the use of lawsuits to intimidate journalists, known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), and urged the government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to media freedom and the protection of press rights.

The petitions reflect a broader concern over escalating threats to journalists in Nigeria and signal a call for decisive government action to safeguard democratic accountability and freedom of expression.

NGE, SERAP, NUJ Petition Tinubu to Investigate Wike’s Threat Against TV Journalist

BREAKING: Kebbi Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ankwai Dies in Egypt 

Muhammad Usman Ankwai, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, has died in Egypt following a brief illness, sending shockwaves across political and public circles in the state. He reportedly passed away on Monday while seeking medical treatment abroad.

Ankwai, who represented the Zuru Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected Speaker of the 10th Assembly on June 8, 2023. In his role as Speaker, he was instrumental in legislative oversight, policy formulation, and governance initiatives in Kebbi State.

Details surrounding his illness remain undisclosed, but reports indicate he had traveled to Egypt for treatment. The sudden news of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from lawmakers, party officials, and residents, many of whom described him as a dedicated and committed public servant.

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Political analysts note that Ankwai’s death comes during a critical period in Kebbi State politics, as party realignments and preparations for the 2027 general elections are underway. His leadership and influence in the House of Assembly had been significant in shaping legislative agendas and state governance.

Tributes are already flowing on social media, with colleagues and political figures lauding his contributions to the state legislature. Details regarding burial arrangements and official funeral protocols are expected to be released by his family and the Kebbi State Assembly in the coming days.

Ankwai’s passing marks a significant loss for the political landscape in Kebbi State, where his work as a legislator and Speaker had earned him respect across party lines.

BREAKING: Kebbi Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ankwai Dies in Egypt