The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has convened a Joint Border Security Meeting following Saturday’s clash between Nigerien soldiers and Nigerian joint security forces in Mazanya, a border community in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the meeting on Monday, explaining that it was aimed at strengthening liaison arrangements between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Reports indicated that Nigerien soldiers entered Nigerian territory without prior authorization, causing panic over a possible terrorist incursion. The Joint Nigerian security forces—including Operation FANSAN YANMA troops, police, DSS, and Civilian Joint Task Force—responded to the perceived threat.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja clarified that a convoy of four gun trucks and one Toyota Jeep carrying Nigerien officers and soldiers had entered Mazanya to fetch water, a routine activity historically conducted by Nigerien troops.
“The unusually large size of the convoy raised concerns among local vigilantes, who mistakenly perceived it as a potential hostile advance,” Maj.-Gen. Onoja said. “This misunderstanding led to the vigilantes opening fire on the Nigerien troops.”
Following dialogue between Nigerian and Nigerien forces, the troops successfully fetched water and returned to their side of the border without further incident. The DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries.
