The recent incursion of Niger Republic military troops into Nigerian territory has renewed calls for closer diplomatic and security cooperation between Nigeria and Niger amid rising insecurity in the Sahel.

Security sources, told Zagazola Makama that a convoy of four Niger military gun trucks and a Toyota Jeep, led by CPT Salifou Mono, crossed into Mazanya Village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday at about 2:00 p.m., firing sporadically upon entry. The convoy was heavily armed, causing panic among residents.

Joint Nigerian security Forces, including the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, police, DSS, and Civilian Joint Task Force, quickly traced the intruders and escorted them back to the Danmasani Border. The Nigerien commander later apologised for the unauthorized entry and pledged that such actions would not recur.

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.

Zagazola noted that 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.

Zagazola warn that 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.

Zagazola insist that 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.

With Nigeria and Niger facing similar security threats ranging from banditry to extremist infiltration, only a coordinated and organised approach can protect border communities and sustain regional stability.

He argue that Saturday’s incident should serve as a strong reminder that diplomacy and joint security cooperation are no longer optional, but essential tools for safeguarding both nations against the expanding networks of Sahelian insurgents. (Zagazola, excluding headline)

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