The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has convened a Joint Border Security Meeting, following Saturday’s clash between Nigerien soldiers and the Joint Nigerian security forces in Mazanya, a border community in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Director Defence Media Operation, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
The meeting was aimed at consolidating liaison arrangements between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
According to him, in line with the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries,
There were reports on Saturday about a diplomatic breach by Nigerien soldiers who entered Nigerian territory unauthorized, causing panic of a possible terrorist invasion and subsequent confrontation by Joint Nigerian security Forces, including the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, police, DSS, and Civilian Joint Task Force.
Giving an explanation of the incident, Maj.-Gen. Onoja explained that a convoy, consisting of four gun trucks and one Toyota Jeep carrying Nigerien military officers and soldiers, entered the Mazanya community to fetch water, “a routine activity historically conducted by troops from the Niger Republic.”
He said, “The unusually large size of the convoy raised concern among local vigilante members in the community, who mistakenly perceived the movement as a potential hostile advance.
“This misunderstanding led to the vigilantes opening fire on the Nigerien troops.
“Following dialogue between Nigerian security authorities and the Nigerien commander on the ground, the Nigerien troops proceeded to fetch the required water as intended and returned to their side of the border without further incident.
“The commander emphasized the importance of prior liaison and communication before any future cross-border water-fetching missions, particularly when such missions involve large troop formations or official visits by senior commanders. The Nigerien commander acknowledged the concerns and agreed to adhere to improved communication procedures moving forward.
“In line with the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries,
“The meeting was aimed at consolidating liaison arrangements between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces and preventing similar occurrences in the future.”
The Defence spokesperson reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s unwavering commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and seamless coordination with the Republic of Niger.
He emphasized that Nigeria and Niger share long-standing cultural, economic, and security ties, and both countries would continue to collaborate closely in addressing common challenges such as terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration, and other transborder threats.
Onoja assured the public that lessons drawn from the incident are being taken seriously and that concrete measures are already underway to ensure that such misunderstandings do not recur.
He urged residents of Mazanya and other border communities to remain calm but vigilant while going about their lawful activities.
“The situation is fully under control, and both Nigerian and Nigerien authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians living along the border,” Onoja said.