Five suspects arrested over stray bullet that killed 14 year old in Maiduguri

Troops under the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the North-East, known as Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested five individuals in connection with the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, April 4, was initially highlighted by Amnesty International, which reported that the teenage secondary school student was struck by a stray bullet while inside her home. The group alleged that the गोली was fired during celebratory gunfire by military personnel attending a wedding at a nearby event centre.

However, in an official update released on Monday, Sani Uba, spokesperson for Operation HADIN KAI, clarified that the gunfire was linked to the “unauthorised use of firearms” by vigilantes and members of an escort team attached to a local government chairman. The shooting reportedly took place around 2 p.m. at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers’ Staff Quarters during a wedding celebration, where individuals fired shots into the air.

According to the statement, troops working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) tracked down and arrested five suspects connected to the incident. Authorities confirmed that the suspects will be handed over for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Theatre Command condemned the act, describing it as unprofessional and a serious breach of regulations governing firearm use. Officials emphasized that such conduct is unacceptable and assured the public that those responsible will be held accountable.