DHQ Reacts as Vigilantes Mistakenly Open Fire on Nigerien Soldiers in Katsina
- The Defence Headquarters has clarified the circumstances surrounding a border incident involving local vigilantes and Nigerien troops at the Katsina border
- Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja made this known in a statement in Abuja
- Onoja assured that the situation had been fully resolved and new measures had been adopted to prevent a recurrence
Jibia, Katsina - The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has provided fresh clarification on the border incident in which local vigilantes opened fire on Nigerien soldiers at Mazanya Village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina state.
Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, issued a formal statement in Abuja explaining the events and assuring the public that the situation has been fully resolved.
Source: Twitter
According to Onoja, the incident occurred at about 3 p.m. on November 29 when a convoy of Nigerien troops crossed into the Mazanya community to fetch water—a routine cross-border practice that has existed for years.
The convoy, consisting of four gun trucks and a Toyota Jeep carrying officers and soldiers, appeared unusually large to local vigilantes who feared an invasion and mistakenly opened fire.
DHQ explains how authorities contained the situation
Onoja disclosed that Nigerian security officials immediately engaged the Nigerien commander on the ground, leading to a swift de-escalation.
“The Nigerien troops eventually fetched the required water and returned to their side of the border without further incident,” he said.
The Nigerien commander reportedly emphasised the need for prior liaison before future visits, especially when involving senior officers or large troop deployments, to avoid further misunderstandings. He also committed to improving communication.
Joint security measures now in place
To prevent any recurrence, the Armed Forces of Nigeria convened a Joint Border Security Meeting on December 1. Discussions focused on strengthening liaison structures, enhancing the communication channels and preventing operational misunderstandings between both sides
DHQ reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Niger, noting longstanding cultural, economic, and security cooperation.
“The Defence Headquarters remains committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and seamless coordination with the Republic of Niger,” he said.
Onoja assured residents of Mazanya and the surrounding border communities that the situation is under full control.
Source: Twitter
He said both governments have pledged to safeguard civilians and maintain peace along the shared border.
He urged locals to remain calm but alert, noting that lessons from the incident are being taken seriously and concrete preventive steps are already in motion.
Defence HQ uncovers fresh activities of foreign terrorists
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vowed to combat terrorists and their collaborators in Nigeria.
The DHQ attributed the recent resurgence of terrorist attacks in the northwest and northeast to the alleged influx of foreign fighters reinforcing to local terror groups
Legit.ng reports that conflict has continued to roil the country’s northern and central regions, where armed groups are active.
ISWAP terrorists kill 6 soldiers in Borno
Earlier, Legit.ng also reported that the DHQ confirmed that six soldiers were killed in a raid by the Islamic State/Boko Haram assailants on a military base in Borno state.
The attack was carried out by terrorists who arrived at the base in Sabon Gari, Damboa district, in trucks and on motorcycles.
Despite the loss of six personnel, the DHQ reported that 34 terrorists were killed, and 23 AK-47 weapons were recovered, along with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Source: Legit.ng
