STORY: Hundreds of fishermen clutching nets and gourds rushed into the Matan Fada River on Saturday (February 14) for the grand finale of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, competing to land the biggest catch in one of northern Nigeria's most celebrated traditions.

The climactic fishing competition saw participants wade into the river in a sea of nets, searching for fish. While most emerged with catches of varying sizes, only one would claim victory with the heaviest fish.

"The festival is wonderful, people have caught different varieties of fish, others are currently catching more fishes," said fisherman Muhammadu Sabo.

Guests watched as officials tied fish to weighing scales to determine the winners, with a car on display for the champion bearing the word "Winner" on its side.

Festival guest Hassan Muhammed praised the event's significance.

"This fishing festival, it is a very wonderful fishing because all the country will come here and see how things are going on. We really appreciate it and we thank almighty Allah for this day, we also pray to Allah to guide us and protect us to finish successfully without any problems," Muhammed said.

Some fishermen immediately began selling their catches after the competition.

The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is one of Nigeria's most prominent cultural events, drawing participants and spectators from across the country and beyond to celebrate traditional fishing practices in Kebbi state.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: KEBBI, NIGERIA (FEBRUARY 14, 2026) (REUTERS – Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF FISHERMEN WITH NETS AND GOURDS RUNNING TOWARDS THE RIVER

2. VARIOUS OF MEN FISHING

3. FISHERMAN WALKING WITH HIS NET AND A FISH IN HAND

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Hausa) FISHERMAN, MUHAMMADU SABO, SAYING:

‘’The festival is wonderful, people have caught different varieties of fish, others are currently catching more fishes.”

5. MEN CARRYING A HUGE FISH TO THE WEIGHING STATION

6. GUESTS SEATED

7. VARIOUS OF MAN TYING FISH TO A WEIGHING SCALE

8. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FESTIVAL GUEST, HASSAN MUHAMMED, SAYING:

‘’This fishing festival , it is a very wonderful fishing because all the country will come here and see how things are going on. We really appreciate it and we thank almighty Allah for this day, we also pray to Allah to guide us and protect us to finish successfully without any problems.’’

9. VARIOUS OF FISHERMAN SELLING THE FISH HE JUST CAUGHT

10. VARIOUS OF CAR ON DISPLAY / CAR READING (English): ‘’WINNER’’

11. SIGN BOARD READING (English): ‘’WELCOME TO ARGUNGU INTERNATIONAL FISHING AND CULTUAL FESTIVAL’’