Thirty-four soldiers were killed and 14 others wounded on Thursday when armed groups launched a major assault near Banibangou in western Niger, close to the country’s border with Mali, according to a statement from the defence ministry.
The attack, described by the ministry as “cowardly and barbaric,” was carried out by several hundred fighters using eight vehicles and more than 200 motorbikes. It is one of the deadliest incidents in the region this year.
Nigerien troops responded to the assault and were able to neutralize dozens of the attackers during the confrontation. In the aftermath, military reinforcements were deployed, and extensive search operations—by both land and air—are ongoing to locate those responsible.
Banibangou lies within the three-border area shared by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The region has become a frequent target of heavily armed groups that cross national boundaries to carry out deadly raids.
Authorities say the assailants used well-coordinated tactics, pointing to a high level of organization behind the assault. The use of a large number of motorcycles and vehicles allowed the attackers to move swiftly and strike with force.
The broader security situation in the area remains fragile. Niger’s forces are also facing armed threats in the southeast, particularly near Lake Chad and along the Nigerian border, where similar groups have launched attacks in recent years.
Since a military government took power in Niger two years ago, the country has undergone significant shifts in its security approach. French and American forces, once key partners in counterinsurgency efforts, have been expelled. This change has placed the full weight of national defense on Niger’s armed forces as they contend with complex cross-border violence.
The recent attack has prompted renewed calls for tighter border surveillance and stronger coordination between military units operating in remote regions. As operations continue in and around Banibangou, authorities have pledged to pursue those responsible and restore stability to the area.