2016 Dibbwol massacre (WF)

On February 1, 2016, two squads of the HJT International Security Services shot and killed approximately 35 civilians in the town of Dibbwol, Nigeria. This was the result of a misidentified gunshot, which led to both squads firing indiscriminately at anything that moved. This incident caused the company to liquidate itself to avoid a large lawsuit from the affected Nigerian population. The contractors involved in the incident were later arrested in the United States and charged with various murder-related offenses.

Background

On June 3, 2015, HJT International Security Services received a long-term security contract from the Nigerian government. The company was supposed to protect government installations from Boko Haram insurgents, and provide help to the Multinational Joint Task Force. HJT immediately accepted the contract due to the potential for significant financial gain.

On June 26, 2015, a small contingent of HJT contractors entered Nigeria. They were granted access to a small military base on the outskirts of Ikorodu. Victor Cooper was a part of the contingent that was stationed in Nigeria.

Incident

On February 1, 2016, two squads were sent to the town of Dibbwol. The squads were tasked with patrolling the city for any suspicious or insurgent activity. After reaching the town, the first squad reported seeing suspicious activity in one of the houses. After illegally entering the house, the squad did not find any suspicious items or weapons. Despite that, both squads have detained some civilians in the area, including those in the houses.

Shortly after detaining the civilians, Brandon Turner reported taking fire from an unknown direction. This set off a chain reaction in which both groups fired on the civilians. As a result, approximately 35 civilians were killed and 20 more were injured. After the incident, both squads were called off and returned to base. The CEO of the company later scolded the squads involved in the incidents, stating that «there will be harsh consequences from the public». They were also told that they will not be receiving a paycheck for the month.

An investigation conducted by the Nigerian government later revealed that the alleged gunshot was actually a rock thrown by a child at a metal sheet lying on the ground. The child that threw the rock was also injured in the incident.

Aftermath

This incident caused major international backlash. The United States and the United Nations condemned the actions of the company. The Nigerian government terminated the contract and requested a financial compensation for the damages caused by the company. HJT also faced a major lawsuit from the affected people of Nigeria. To avoid this, Andrews immediately signed an order dissolving the company.

The contractors involved in the incident were later arrested by the United States and charged with manslaughter.