The Nigerian Army has said a stray bullet fired by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) led to the death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The incident occurred on Saturday in the Costain area of the state capital. A family source said the teenager was inside her home in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters when she was struck by the bullet while preparing for a wedding ceremony.
“She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day,” the source said according to The Cable.
According to the army, preliminary findings indicate that CJTF operatives discharged firearms during a social event in a nearby compound, with the stray bullet allegedly resulting from those actions.
Four CJTF members have reportedly been arrested in connection with the incident.
In a statement, Sani Uba, the media information officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, described the incident as unacceptable.
“If confirmed, this act is highly unprofessional, unauthorised, and a clear violation of regulations governing the handling and use of firearms,” he said.
He added that the CJTF, as a support group, is not permitted to engage in indiscriminate use of firearms, particularly in civilian areas.
“A thorough investigation has been initiated in collaboration with relevant state authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure those found culpable are brought to justice,” Uba stated.
The army urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, assuring that efforts are ongoing to establish the facts.
It expressed regret over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family, pledging to implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International said the victim was buried on Sunday at the Maiduguri cemetery, noting that her family continues to seek answers over what it described as a preventable death.
