The Nigerian Army says some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) fired a stray bullet which killed a 14-year-old girl on Saturday, in the Costain area of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
A family friend of the victim said the teenager had been preparing to attend a wedding celebration when the bullet struck her inside her home.
“She lived in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters with her family and was inside her home when the tragedy occurred,” the source was quoted as saying.
“She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day.”
According to the army, the CJTF operatives reportedly discharged firearms during a social event in a neighbouring compound, with preliminary findings suggesting that the unfortunate incident may have resulted from those actions.
Reports said four CJTF members have been arrested in connection with the shooting.
Sani Uba, media information officer for the headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, said in a statement on Sunday that the incident, if confirmed, is “highly unprofessional, unauthorised, and is a clear violation of extant regulations governing the handling and use of firearms”.
“The Theatre Command wishes to categorically state that the Civilian Joint Task Force operates as a support group and is not permitted to engage in the indiscriminate use of firearms under any circumstances, particularly in civilian environments,” the statement reads.
“A thorough investigation has been initiated in collaboration with relevant state authorities, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government, to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.
“The general public is urged to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information, as efforts are ongoing to establish the facts.”
The army expressed deep regret over the loss of life and extended its “heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved family, adding that strict measures will be put in place to prevent a recurrence.
“Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress,” Uba added.
Amnesty International had said the victim was buried on Sunday at the Maiduguri cemetery, adding that her family and friends are “left seeking answers for a death that was entirely preventable”.
