By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested five suspects over the unauthorised discharge of firearms during a social event in Maiduguri, Borno State, an incident that tragically resulted in the death of a young girl.
The Theatre Command confirmed that the arrests followed the reckless firing of weapons during a wedding celebration in the Ngomari general area of Maiduguri on April 4, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working in conjunction with operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), swiftly traced and apprehended five suspects linked to the unlawful use of firearms.
The suspects were identified as Muhammad Husaini, 28; Abba Jiddu, 25; Abba Kolo Mohammed, 20; Ali Adam, 20; and Nura Mohammed, 18.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 2:00 p.m. when vigilantes later identified as members of an escort team attached to a Local Government chairman engaged in sporadic gunfire into the air during a wedding celebration held at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters in the Ngomari area.
The celebratory gunfire resulted in a stray bullet that struck and killed a young girl, triggering swift action by troops who moved in to identify and arrest those responsible.
Military authorities described the act as highly unprofessional, unauthorised and a clear violation of established regulations governing the handling and use of firearms.
The Theatre Command emphasised that the Civilian Joint Task Force operates strictly as a support group to security agencies and is not permitted to engage in indiscriminate use of firearms under any circumstances, particularly within civilian environments.
All five suspects are currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
Meanwhile, the Theatre Command has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident 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 tragedy and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The command also noted that while the general security situation in the affected area remains calm, troops have maintained heightened vigilance to sustain law and order.
It further extended condolences to the bereaved family and reassured residents of Maiduguri and the wider public of the military’s commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of civilians.
