The military authorities have begun an investigation into the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a shooting incident linked to celebratory gunfire.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday in the Costain area of the state capital, where the teenager was struck by a bullet believed to have been fired during a wedding celebration.
Confirming the development on Monday, the spokesman for the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that five individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the unlawful discharge of firearms.
According to the military, the shooting happened around 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, when members of a vigilante escort team attached to a local government chairman allegedly opened fire into the air during festivities at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.
Following the incident, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force moved swiftly to track down those involved. The suspects arrested were identified as Muhammad Husaini, 28; Abba Jiddu, 25; Abba Kolo Mohammed, 20; Ali Adam, 20; and Nura Mohammed, 18.
The military stated that all five suspects remain in custody and will be transferred to the relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
Lt. Col. Uba strongly condemned the act, describing the use of firearms in such a manner as unauthorized and contrary to established rules governing weapon handling. He emphasized that the Civilian Joint Task Force is strictly a support body and has no mandate to engage in indiscriminate gunfire, especially in civilian areas.
He further noted that a full-scale investigation is being carried out in collaboration with state security officials, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government, to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy and ensure accountability.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the military assured residents that the security situation in the area remains stable, with troops maintaining heightened alertness to preserve peace and order.
The command also extended its condolences to the bereaved family, reaffirming its commitment to protecting civilians and ensuring justice is served.
Meanwhile, human rights group Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the killing.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation urged Nigerian authorities to probe what it described as the reckless use of firearms that led to the death of the young girl, who was reportedly inside her home when the bullet struck.