Army probes killing of 26 vigilance group members in Borno

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday
declared that it has commenced
investigations into the killing of some
members of a youths’ vigilance group called
Civilian JTF by suspected Boko Haram
militants in Monguno, Borno.
Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, the spokesman of the
Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore
Order (ORO) said in Maiduguri that the army
was disturbed about the situation.
“The military high command is aware of the
killing and it is disturbing, the Nigerian Army
Brigade in Monguno has been mandated to
carry out investigations into the matter,”
Musa said.
He blamed the problem on the group which
embarked on a trip without military backing.
“We have always made it clear to the
vigilantes that they should not operate on
their own but should always seek for
military backing.
“They are just supporting the security
agencies with information; the real battle
should be left in the hands of security
agents.
“We will continue to appeal to them not to
conduct any operation without armed
military escort,” Musa said.
The 26 civilians were killed in Monguno,
headquarters of Monguno Local Government
Area while in search of Boko Haram
militants. (NAN)