Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested five suspects following an incident of unauthorised firearm discharge that led to the death of a young girl in Ngomari area of Maiduguri, Borno State.
In a statement issued to newsmen, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, said the arrests were made in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
He explained that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, during a wedding celebration at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.
According to him, some vigilantes, later identified as escorts attached to a Local Government Chairman, engaged in sporadic gunfire during the event.
The action, he noted, resulted in a stray bullet that tragically claimed the life of a young girl, sparking immediate concern within the community.
Uba disclosed that troops swiftly traced and apprehended the suspects identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).
He added that the suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws.
The Theatre Command condemned the act, describing it as unprofessional, unauthorised, and a violation of regulations guiding the use of firearms, particularly within civilian environments.
It also reiterated that the Civilian Joint Task Force operates strictly as a support group and is not permitted to engage in indiscriminate use of weapons under any circumstances.
The Command further assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway in collaboration with relevant authorities, while extending condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of civilians.
