DHQ moves quickly to resolve vigilante-Nigerian soldiers’ clash
Story by Mercy Adaje
Local vigilante operatives in Mazanya village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, reportedly opened fire on a convoy of Nigerian soldiers who had entered the community to fetch water, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed.
The incident occurred on 29 November 2025, after a convoy of four gun trucks and a Toyota Jeep carrying military personnel from the Republic of Niger crossed into the border village on what authorities described as a “routine water-fetching mission.”
According to a statement by the Director of Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the vigilantes became alarmed by the size and movement of the convoy and mistook it for a hostile force, leading them to engage the soldiers in gunfire.
The misunderstanding was quickly brought under control after Nigerian security authorities intervened and opened communication with the Nigerien commander on the ground. The troops were later allowed to draw water and return safely across the border.
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To prevent further incidents, the DHQ convened a Joint Border Security Meeting on 1 December 2025, bringing together security officials from both countries to strengthen liaison mechanisms and improve communication during cross-border activities.
General Onoja said the Nigerien commander acknowledged the need for prior notification before future movements involving large troop formations or senior officers. He added that both countries remain committed to peaceful cooperation and the safety of border communities.
The DHQ assured residents that the situation had been fully stabilised and emphasised that the encounter resulted from a misunderstanding rather than deliberate aggression.
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