Nigeria Immigration Officer Shoots Dead Nigerien At Katsina Border

A Nigerien national has died after being shot by an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Burdugu Border entry checkpoint in Baure Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident occurred on February 3, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., near the Nigeria–Niger Republic border.

Sources disclosed to Zagagola Makama that the victim, Dari Bace Bace, a 30-year-old motorcycle rider from Bace Bace village in Niger Republic, was allegedly shot after failing to stop for routine border checks.

The immigration officer involved, identified as Inspector Tijjani Mai Kaho, reportedly attempted to stop the rider before opening fire.

The bullet was said to have struck the victim in the head, causing severe injuries.

The injured Nigerien national was initially taken to the General Hospital, Baure, and later referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Daura, where he died while receiving treatment.

Sources said the suspect officer fled the scene and is currently at large.

The Katsina State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the incident, while security operatives have begun efforts to locate the fleeing officer.

Sources said the scene was immediately secured and preserved upon receipt of the report.

The Burdugu Border area lies along a sensitive corridor linking Nigeria and Niger Republic, where security agencies routinely conduct checks to curb smuggling and illegal crossings.