By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Nigeria Immigration Service officers used to illustrate the story |
A routine patrol turned into a diplomatic and humanitarian crisis at the Burdugu entry checkpoint in Baure Local Government Area, Katsina State. On February 3, 2026, a confrontation between an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and a cross-border traveler resulted in a fatal shooting that has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked calls for immediate security reforms.
The incident unfolded around 11:00 AM during what was supposed to be a standard screening process. According to eyewitness accounts, Inspector Tijjani Mai Kaho attempted to flag down a motorcyclist entering from the Niger Republic. The rider, identified as 30-year-old Dari Bace Bace, a resident of Bace Bace village in Niger, allegedly failed to comply with the order to stop. In a sudden escalation of force, the officer reportedly discharged his firearm, striking the victim in the head.
Following the discharge of the weapon, the scene descended into chaos. The critically injured Bace Bace was initially rushed to the General Hospital in Baure by bystanders and security personnel. Due to the severity of the cranial trauma, he was swiftly referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Daura. Despite the efforts of medical teams to stabilize his condition, the young man succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment, turning a routine traffic stop into a homicide investigation.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the situation took a further turn for the worse when the primary suspect, Inspector Mai Kaho, reportedly fled the scene. While security operatives moved quickly to secure the Burdugu checkpoint and restore order, the officer remains at large. The Katsina State Police Command has since taken over the lead on the case, launching a manhunt to locate the inspector and ensure he faces the legal consequences of his actions.
The tragic death of a foreign national has reignited a fierce debate regarding the use of force and the "trigger-happy" reputation of some personnel at Nigeria’s land borders. Human rights advocates are calling for more stringent training and accountability measures to prevent such extrajudicial killings. Government officials have assured the public that a full-scale investigation is underway to "unravel the circumstances" and maintain the integrity of international relations between Nigeria and the Niger Republic.