Blame Game Between Military, CJTF as Stray Bullet Kills 14-Year-Old Girl in Maiduguri

A 14-year-old secondary school student has died after being struck by a stray bullet in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, April 4, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) staff quarters, where the girl lived with her family. She was reportedly inside the house when the bullet hit her.

Conflicting accounts have emerged over the source of the gunfire. Amnesty International alleged that the fatal shot was fired by military personnel during celebratory shooting at a nearby wedding.

However, a separate account linked to military updates attributed the incident to members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a local vigilante group supporting security operations in the region. According to that account, preliminary findings by Operation Hadin Kai indicated that some CJTF members were discharging firearms at a social gathering in a nearby compound.

The theatre command described the act as unauthorised and unprofessional, adding that an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible and prevent a recurrence. Authorities also cautioned against the spread of unverified information and extended condolences to the victim’s family.

A family acquaintance described the moments leading up to the incident, noting that the girl had been preparing for a family wedding on the same day.

“She had just finished applying henna for herself and her mother and was looking forward to the ceremony,” the source said.

The teenager was buried on Sunday at a cemetery in Maiduguri, as relatives and community members called for accountability.

Amnesty International has condemned the killing and urged the Nigerian authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. The organisation emphasised the need to protect civilians and ensure those responsible are held accountable.