The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) states that the convoy of Nigerien troops that entered Mazanya village in the Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State crossed the border to fetch water.
The Nigerien troops entered Mazanya village on 29 November 2025 at approximately 1500 hours, a development that heightened tension in the border community.
A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stated 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, however, said that the massive size of the convoy raised concerns 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,” he said.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja stated that following a 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.
