Suspected militants launched a deadly raid on three villages in southwestern Niger, killing nine civilians and stealing cattle, the country’s defence ministry announced.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, targeted the villages of Cabia, Wanbila, and Loudji in the Tillaberi region, an area bordering insurgency-stricken Mali and Burkina Faso.
Responding to the assault, the ministry reported in a statement that “several dozen terrorists were killed” and a significant amount of their equipment was destroyed during a counter-offensive.
However, specific details regarding the identities or affiliations of the attackers remain unclear.
This incident comes amidst ongoing security concerns in Niger, which has been under military rule since a coup in July 2023.
On December 17th, military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani declared the security situation to be “progressively normalizing,” citing recent military successes against militant groups.
However, Sunday’s attack highlights the persistent threat posed by such groups in Tillaberi, which has been under a state of emergency since 2017 due to the activities of militants linked to Al-Qaeda and Daesh.
In January alone, a separate attack in the region’s village of Motogatta claimed the lives of 22 civilians.
The Tillaberi region’s proximity to similarly troubled Mali and Burkina Faso, both currently led by military juntas, further complicates the security landscape.
Regional cooperation and continued efforts to address the root causes of extremism remain crucial in preventing future tragedies.
