14‑year-old girl killed in Maiduguri
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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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.
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