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) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) 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.
