The military has confirmed that a 14-year-old girl was killed in Maiduguri, Borno State, by a stray bullet allegedly fired by soldiers celebrating at a wedding.
The incident happened on April 4, 2026, while the girl was at home preparing for a family wedding.
In a statement on Monday, the spokesman of the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the matter.
“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 in part.
“The incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on 4 April, 2026, when vigilantes—later identified as members of an escorts team attached to the Chairman of a Local Government Area engaged in sporadic firing into the air during a wedding celebration at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.”
Uba noted that acting swiftly, troops traced and took into custody five suspects identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).
He added: “The suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
“The Theatre Command strongly condemns the act, describing it as highly unprofessional, unauthorized, and a clear violation of established regulations governing the handling and use of firearms. It reiterates that the Civilian Joint Task Force operates strictly as a support group and is not permitted to engage in indiscriminate use of firearms under any circumstances, particularly within civilian environments.
“A comprehensive investigation has been initiated in collaboration with relevant state authorities, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government, to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the Maiduguri incident and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.”
Uba said while the general security situation in the affected areas remains calm, troops have sustained heightened vigilance to maintain law and order.
He also commiserated with the family of the victim, reassuring the public of its unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of civilians.
