Army investigates killing of 26 Civilian JTF members

The Nigerian Army yesterday said it has begun investigation into the killing of 26 members of a youths’ vigilance group, popularly called “Civilian JTF”, by suspected Boko Haram militants in Monguno, Borno State.

Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, the spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, the state capital, that the army was disturbed by the situation.

Lt-Col Musa said: “The military high command is aware of the killing. This is disturbing. The Nigerian Army Brigade in Monguno has been mandated to investigate the matter.”

The military spokesman blamed the incident on the youths’ group, saying it embarked on the trip without military backing.

He said: “We have always made it clear to the vigilantes that they should not operate on their own but should always seek military backing.

“They are just supporting the security agencies with information; the real battle should be left in the hands of security agents.”

The Nation