Army to Investigate Killing of 26 Vigilante Group Members in Borno

The Nigerian Army on September 3, 2013, Tuesday, announced that it has commenced investigations into the latest Borno massacre, when lots of activists of the youths’ vigilance group called ‘Civilian JTF’ were killed by suspected Boko Haram members in Monguno.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman, ‘Operation Restore Order (ORO)’, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, reported 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,” Lt.-Col. Musa said.

The JTF official 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 over the weekend in Monguno, Borno State, while in search of Boko Haram insurgents.