A routine border stop at the Baure frontier in Katsina State ended in tragedy on Monday after a Nigerien national was shot by an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, a development that has sparked outrage and an official manhunt.
The incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on February 3, 2026, at the Burdugu Border entry checkpoint in Baure Local Government Area, close to the Niger Republic boundary. Sources said an immigration inspector, Tijjani Mai Kaho, attempted to halt a motorcycle rider who allegedly failed to comply with routine border checks.
The rider, identified as 30-year-old Dari Bace Bace from Bace Bace village in Niger Republic, was reportedly shot during the encounter and sustained severe head injuries. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Baure and later referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Daura, where he died while receiving treatment.
In the aftermath, the suspected officer fled the scene and is currently at large. The Katsina State Police Command confirmed it has launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting, with detectives securing and preserving the scene immediately after the report was received.
Police sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing officer and determine the circumstances that led to the fatal discharge. Authorities assured the public that findings from the investigation would be made known in due course.
The incident has renewed concerns over the use of force at Nigeria’s porous borders and the need for strict adherence to engagement rules, especially in routine enforcement situations involving civilians.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
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