CJTF stray bullet kills 15-year-old girl in Maiduguri

A tragic incident occurred in Maiduguri on Saturday when a stray bullet from a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operative reportedly killed a 15-year-old girl.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency media expert, that the incident happened around 10:00 a.m. at Kanti Goma Shabiyu, Umarari Ward, along Baga Road, while CJTF personnel attached to Sector 10 were carrying out an arrest operation.

One of the operatives, identified as 27-year-old Abba Sidi Mala, accidentally discharged his firearm, striking Zainab Usman on the head.

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A security patrol team responded swiftly, rushing the victim to the State Specialist Hospital, where she was confirmed dead. Her remains were later released to her family for burial according to Islamic rites.

Sources said that the suspect has been arrested by the police, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the accidental discharge.