By Harriet Tornguvan
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has provided a detailed clarification on the border incident involving local vigilantes in Mazanya community, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, and troops from the Republic of Niger, assuring the public that the situation has been fully resolved and new measures have been adopted to strengthen cross-border cooperation.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the DHQ explained that the incident occurred on 29 November 2025 at about 3:00 p.m. when a convoy of Nigerien soldiers entered Mazanya to fetch water a long-standing routine between border communities of the two countries. The convoy consisted of four gun trucks and a Toyota Jeep conveying military personnel.
According to the DHQ, the unusually large size of the convoy led local vigilante members to misinterpret the movement as a hostile advance, prompting them to open fire on the Nigerien troops. The situation was quickly de-escalated following immediate intervention and dialogue between Nigerian security authorities and the Nigerien commander on the ground.
The Nigerien commander, after discussions, proceeded with his troops to fetch water as intended and returned without further incident. He emphasized the need for prior communication before future water fetching missions, especially when involving senior officers or large troop formations. Both sides agreed to adopt improved liaison channels to avoid misunderstandings.
As part of efforts to reinforce border coordination, the DHQ convened a Joint Border Security Meeting on 1 December 2025, bringing together Nigerian and Nigerien security representatives to review communication procedures and prevent similar occurrences.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful and cooperative relations with the Republic of Niger, the DHQ noted that both countries share deep cultural, economic, and security bonds and continue to work together to counter terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration, and other transborder threats.
The Defence Headquarters assured residents of Mazanya and other border communities that there is no cause for alarm. It urged them to remain calm but vigilant, adding that robust measures are now in place to ensure the safety of civilians and maintain harmony along the Nigeria Niger border.
