Nigerian joint security forces, comprising troops of Operation Fansan Yanma, police, DSS, and Civilian JTF, swiftly intercepted the convoy and escorted it back to the Danmasani border post. 

The Nigerien commander apologised for the unauthorised incursion and promised it would not happen again.

The incident has reignited calls for urgent, structured military and diplomatic coordination between Nigeria and Niger as jihadist groups exploit the porous Sahel corridor.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama warned that without formal protocols for hot pursuit, joint patrols, real-time intelligence sharing, and de-confliction mechanisms, such incidents risk escalating into deadly friendly-fire clashes.

“With Nigeria running Operation Fansan Yanma in the North-West and Niger battling ISGS, JNIM, and other Al-Qaeda affiliates, the absence of harmonised operations leaves border communities vulnerable and creates opportunities for Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Lakurawa extremists to thrive,” he said.

Zagazola urged both nations to immediately establish clear cross-border rules of engagement and joint border command centres, stressing that Saturday’s near-miss in Mazanya must serve as a wake-up call.