14-Year-Old Girl Killed by Stray Bullet in Maiduguri; Military Launches Investigation

Tragedy struck Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday when a 14-year-old girl was reportedly killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The incident occurred during a wedding celebration in the Costain area of the city.

The Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), confirmed the death and announced that an investigation into the incident has been launched. In a statement on Monday, spokesperson Lt. Col. Sani Uba said five suspects linked to the incident have been arrested.

“The troops of Operation Hadin Kai, alongside the CJTF, apprehended five individuals connected to the unlawful use of firearms during a social event,” Uba stated. The shooting occurred around 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, when vigilantes, identified as part of an escorts team for a Local Government Chairman, fired sporadically into the air during the wedding at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.

The arrested suspects — Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18) — are in custody and will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Uba condemned the incident as “highly unprofessional and unauthorized,” stressing that the CJTF is a support group not permitted to engage in indiscriminate use of firearms, particularly in civilian settings. A comprehensive investigation is underway with state security authorities to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

While the general security situation remains calm, the Theatre Command said troops have maintained heightened vigilance to safeguard civilians. Uba extended condolences to the victim’s family and reiterated the military’s commitment to justice, accountability, and civilian protection.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International (AI) has also called for a thorough probe into the incident, urging Nigerian authorities to investigate the reckless use of firearms that led to the girl’s death. AI described the victim, a secondary school student, as being killed inside her home due to celebratory gunfire from nearby military personnel.