The Nigerian military has confirmed the killing of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and announced the launch of a full investigation into the incident.
Reports indicate that the teenager was struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired during a social event on Saturday in the Costain area of the city.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
According to him, troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), apprehended the suspects following the unlawful use of firearms during a wedding celebration.
“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.
Uba explained that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, when individuals identified as members of an escort team attached to a Local Government Chairman engaged in celebratory gunfire at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.
The suspects were identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18). They are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military condemned the act, describing it as “highly unprofessional, unauthorized, and a clear violation” of established firearm regulations. It reiterated that the CJTF operates strictly in a support capacity and is not permitted to use firearms indiscriminately, especially in civilian areas.
A comprehensive investigation is now 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 ensure accountability.
While noting that the general security situation in the area remains calm, the military said troops have heightened vigilance to maintain law and order. It also extended condolences to the victim’s family, reaffirming its commitment to protecting civilians.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killing.
In its statement, the organisation urged Nigerian authorities to address what it described as the reckless use of firearms, noting that the victim was reportedly hit while inside her home during the incident.
What you should know
The Nigerian military has confirmed the death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri caused by a stray bullet during celebratory gunfire.
Five suspects linked to the incident have been arrested, and an investigation is ongoing. The military condemned the misuse of firearms, while Amnesty International has called for a thorough probe.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the dangers of indiscriminate gunfire in civilian areas and the need for stricter enforcement of firearm regulations.
