Residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, have expressed growing concern over the repeated and seemingly unnecessary discharge of firearms by some civilians and vigilante members entrusted with carrying weapons to support security operations. This concern follows an incident on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when an individual reportedly fired several gunshots along New City Road, Maiduguri, at about 5:08 p.m., without any apparent justification known to nearby residents.
The incident has renewed questions about the conduct, discipline and supervision of individuals authorised to carry firearms in public spaces. Residents said the indiscriminate firing of guns creates fear and panic, particularly among children, elderly people and individuals with underlying health conditions. They argued that firearms entrusted to individuals for security purposes should never be used carelessly or without operational justification.
The concern is particularly significant following the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri in April 2026 after she was struck by a stray bullet reportedly linked to unauthorised gunfire during a wedding celebration. Operation Hadin Kai subsequently announced the arrest of five suspects and condemned the indiscriminate discharge of firearms in civilian areas.
The incident occurred on April 4, 2026, in the Ngomari area, where vigilantes attached to an escort team of a local government chairman allegedly fired shots into the air during a wedding celebration at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters. Operation Hadin Kai said the reckless gunfire led to a stray bullet striking and killing the girl, triggering swift intervention by troops.
The suspects were identified as Muhammad Husaini, 28; Abba Jiddu, 25; Abba Kolo Mohammed, 20; Ali Adam, 20; and Nura Mohammed, 18. The Theatre Command condemned the act, describing it as unauthorised, unprofessional and a clear breach of regulations governing the use of firearms. It said the suspects would be handed over to appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.
Residents are calling on the Borno State Government, security agencies and leaders of vigilante groups to strengthen supervision and accountability over individuals authorised to carry firearms. They are demanding strict enforcement of regulations governing firearm possession and use, proper training and discipline for vigilante members and other civilian security personnel.
Residents maintain that the responsibility of carrying a weapon for public protection must come with discipline, professionalism and respect for human life. The latest incident has heightened concerns about public safety in Maiduguri, where the sound of gunfire in residential and commercial areas has become a source of anxiety for many residents.
Key points
- Reckless discharge of firearms by civilians and vigilante members in Maiduguri has raised concerns about public safety and the need for stricter supervision and accountability.
- A 14-year-old girl was killed by a stray bullet in April 2026, highlighting the dangers of indiscriminate firing of guns in populated areas.
- Residents are demanding stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent unauthorised use of firearms and ensure public safety.
