Troops of the North-East Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested five suspects for illegal possession of firearms resulting in the death of a girl in Ngomari Old Airport community of Borno State.

The suspects, Muhammad Husaini, 28, Abba Jiddu,25, Abba Kolo Mohammed, 20, Ali Adam, 20, and Nura Mohammed,18, are in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

According to the OPHK, investigation has commenced into the stray bullets that killed the girl in Ngomari, Maiduguri.

OPHK Media Information Officer, Lt-Col Sani Uba, in a statement yesterday, disclosed that Headquarters of the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North-East), has taken a decisive action, following the incident.

According to him, the suspects are linked to the unlawful use of firearms during a social gathering in the community. He added that the incident occurred about 2.00pm on April 4, 2026, and that the vigilante later identified them as part of the escort team attached to a local council chairman.

Uba described  the acts as reckless and unlawful.

Meanwhile, OPHK  Theatre Commander, Maj-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, condemned the act, describing it as highly unprofessional, unauthorised, and a clear violation of established regulations, governing the handling and use of firearms.

Abubakar reiterated that the Civilian Joint Task Force operates strictly as a support group, and is not permitted to engage in indiscriminate use of firearms under any circumstance, particularly within civilian environments.

The commander assured that a comprehensive investigation had been initiated in collaboration with relevant state authorities, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government.

He added that the investigation was to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the Ngomari incident and ensure that all those found culpable were brought to justice.

While the general security situation in the affected areas remains calm, troops have sustained heightened vigilance to maintain law and order..

The Theatre Command extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of lives and property.