The Defence Headquarters has broken its silence on the 29 November 2025 border encounter in Mazanya community, Jibia Local Government Area, after local vigilante members opened fire on a Nigerien convoy fetching water at about 3:00 pm.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said on Monday night that the military clarification was critical to dispel misinformation, reassure citizens and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with neighbouring countries.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the shock incident began when a Nigerien military convoy entered Mazanya to fetch water.
The statement explained that, “A convoy of four gun trucks and a Toyota Jeep transporting Nigerien military officers had crossed into Mazanya to fetch water, a long-standing routine for the troops.”
The military headquarters, however, noted that the unusually large convoy size prompted alarm among vigilante members who misread the movement as a hostile advance, leading them to open fire.
Major General Onoja said Nigerian security authorities stepped in immediately, initiating talks with the Nigerien commander to stop the situation from spiralling.
The military confirmed that “The situation was resolved without escalation” and that Nigerien troops were allowed to finish their water collection before returning to their territory.”
During dialogue, the commander emphasised the importance of early contact, especially when large formations or senior officers are deployed.
Onoja disclosed that the Nigerien commander stressed the need for prior communication before similar operations in the future.
In response to the clash, the military convened a Joint Border Security Meeting on 1 December 2025, which reviewed liaison frameworks and created stronger communication channels to prevent a repeat incident.
Both Nigeria and Niger, at the meeting, reaffirmed deeper collaboration on shared regional threats, including terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration, and other cross-border crimes.
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