A recent incursion by Niger Republic military operatives into Nigerian territory has renewed calls for stronger diplomatic and security collaboration between both countries amid escalating instability in the Sahel region.
According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, a convoy of four Nigerien military gun trucks and a Toyota Jeep, led by CPT Salifou Mono, crossed into Mazanya Village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, firing sporadically as they entered.
The unexpected armed movement caused panic among residents. In response, a combined team of Nigerian security operatives—including troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, police officers, DSS personnel, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force—tracked the intruding convoy and escorted the soldiers back to the Danmasani border.
The Nigerien commander later issued an apology for the unauthorised entry and assured Nigerian authorities that such an incident would not occur again.
Zagazola said, “The illegal incursion pointed to the fragility of the Nigeria–Niger border corridor amid rising jihadist activity in the wider Sahel region.
Although the Nigerian government has recently appointed ambassadors to strengthen diplomatic engagements with neighbouring countries, experts believe much more is required particularly in synchronising military operations along shared borders.
“The active counter-terrorism operations on both sides, Nigeria’s Operation Farautar Bauchiya and Operation Fansan Yanma in the North-West, and Niger’s ongoing campaigns against ISGS, JNIM and other Al-Qaeda-linked networks, there is an urgent need for more structured and harmonised joint operations.
“Lack of coordination between the two countries’ forces could lead to civilian casualties, operational misunderstandings or unintended confrontations, as seen in the Mazanya incident.
“Clearer communication lines, shared intelligence, and harmonised border operations are critical as Lakuwa Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, Boko Haram and ISWAP attempt to exploit poorly governed spaces stretching from southern Libya through Niger into the North-West region of Nigeria.
“The two nations must urgently establish protocols for cross-border hot pursuit, joint patrols, and real-time information sharing to prevent mistaken incursions and strengthen the fight against terrorism.”
There was tension between Nigeria and Niger Republic following the coup, which saw the military take over the country.
Nigeria cut its electricity supply to Niger by 42%, reducing it from 80 megawatts to 46 megawatts, in line with ECOWAS sanctions imposed after the 2023 coup.
This action has caused significant power shortages in Niger, forcing the government to implement planned power cuts and leading some citizens to adopt solar energy.
Nigeria later restored electricity to Niger in March 2024 after the ECOWAS lifted the imposed sanctions.
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