At least 46 soldiers from Niger’s Defense and Security Forces (SDF) were killed on Saturday in a coordinated assault by militants linked to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS).
The brutal attack took place in Iknewane, Tilia Department, near Niger’s border with Mali.
Security sources described the ambush as a large-scale and highly intense operation that caught the military off guard. According to reports by Zagazola Malama, heavily armed insurgents stormed the outpost, overwhelming the stationed troops.
“The militants overran the base, destroying or seizing nine out of the 16 military vehicles present. They also looted weapons and ammunition,” a security source told Malama.
In addition to the heavy casualties, about a dozen soldiers were reportedly taken hostage, while several others remain unaccounted for. Some troops managed to escape on foot and were later rescued.
Following the attack, the Niger Armed Forces (FAN), backed by units from the National Guard (GNN), mobilized a convoy of 20 vehicles from Tahoua to launch counter-offensive operations in the area. Military high command has vowed to track down the attackers and strengthen security in the volatile border region.
This is not the first time the Iknewane military outpost has come under attack. On September 18, 2024, EIGS militants carried out a similar raid, killing at least 24 soldiers, according to official reports.
The Tahoua Region, particularly its border areas with Mali, has witnessed a rise in militant violence, with armed groups frequently targeting both military personnel and civilians. The latest attack underscores the persistent security threats facing Niger as it battles extremist insurgencies.
