Maiduguri, NIGERIA – The Nigerian military has apprehended five vigilantes in connection with the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl who was struck by a stray bullet in Maiduguri, Borno State, clarifying earlier reports that attributed the shooting to regular soldiers.
Okay News gathered that the fatal incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, when vigilantes attached to a Local Government Area chairman’s escort team engaged in sporadic, celebratory gunfire during a wedding at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters. Acting swiftly, troops tracked down and arrested five suspects identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).
A military spokesperson, identified as Uba, confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Theatre Command strongly condemned the “reckless” act, describing it as unprofessional and a clear violation of firearm regulations. The command emphasized that the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operates strictly as a support group and is not permitted to use firearms indiscriminately, particularly in civilian areas.
The swift arrests follow an immediate outcry from global human rights organization Amnesty International, which had initially demanded a probe into the military over the shooting. The young student was joyfully preparing for a different family wedding and had just finished applying henna when she was killed inside her home.
In addition to launching a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with the Borno State Government, the military extended its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of civilians in the region.
