Twelve Nigerien soldiers were killed during an armed assault in the Tillaberi region of western Niger, the country’s army confirmed on Sunday.
The attack took place on Friday near the tri-border zone where Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso meet. According to a military statement, the soldiers were ambushed by “terrorist elements hiding among civilian camps” during a security operation approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the village of Sakoira.
Despite a determined defense and the deployment of air and ground reinforcements, the army said 12 soldiers lost their lives “in service to the nation.” Two suspects were apprehended during the subsequent military operation.
The wider Sahel region, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, continues to grapple with rising insecurity, as extremist groups expand their activities beyond Mali’s borders.
Security experts note that the situation in Niger has worsened since the military coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023, with frequent attacks targeting both security forces and civilians.
Just last month, 13 Nigerien soldiers were killed in two separate confrontations with insurgents in the Tillaberi region.
In response to growing threats, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—now united under the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States—are working to build a joint military force to better address the persistent security challenges across the Sahel.