The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has arrested five suspects over the unauthorised discharge of firearms that led to the death of a young girl in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, in the Ngomari area, during a wedding celebration at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters. According to military authorities, individuals identified as members of an escort team attached to a Local Government Chairman allegedly engaged in indiscriminate firing into the air.
The gunfire resulted in a stray bullet that fatally struck a young girl.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), swiftly traced and apprehended five suspects linked to the incident. The suspects were identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).
Military authorities confirmed 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 incident, describing it as unprofessional, unauthorised, and a violation of established regulations governing the handling and use of firearms. It reiterated that the CJTF operates strictly in a support capacity and is not permitted to engage in the indiscriminate use of weapons, particularly in civilian areas.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched 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 surrounding the incident and ensure accountability.
While noting that the security situation in the area remains calm, the military said troops have maintained heightened vigilance to sustain law and order.
The command also extended condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and ensuring justice.
