Army probes killing of 26 ‘Civilian JTF’ members in Borno

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.”