By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the reported border incident involving Nigerian local vigilante members and Nigerien troops at Mazanya village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
In a statement issued on Monday, and signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the DHQ explained that the incident occurred on November 29, 2025, at about 3:00 p.m.
According to the statement, “a convoy of four gun trucks and one Toyota Jeep conveying officers and soldiers of the Niger Republic entered Mazanya community to fetch water, a routine practice that has been ongoing for years.”
Major General Onoja disclosed that the unusually large convoy raised suspicion among local vigilantes, who “mistakenly interpreted the movement as a hostile advance and opened fire.”
He added that “following prompt communication between Nigerian security authorities and the Nigerien commander on ground, the troops were allowed to fetch water and returned to their side of the border without further incident.”
The DHQ spokesman noted that the Nigerien commander stressed the need for prior communication for future movements, particularly those involving large formations or senior commanders.
He further revealed that a Joint Border Security Meeting was convened on December 1, 2025, to strengthen liaison between both countries.
“The Defence Headquarters remains fully committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and seamless coordination with the Republic of Niger,” Onoja said.
He assured residents of border communities that “lessons have been learnt from the incident and concrete measures are already being implemented to prevent a recurrence.”