Security & Crime
46 Soldiers Killed as Militants Overrun Military Base
Militants launch a deadly attack on a military base, leaving 46 soldiers dead and raising concerns about regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
On Saturday, a coordinated attack by militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) resulted in the deaths of at least 46 soldiers from Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (SDF).
The assault focused on an SDF base in Iknewane, situated in Tilia Department close to Niger’s border with Mali. Security sources characterized the ambush as extensive and extremely intense, surprising the military forces.
According to Zagazola Malama, militants equipped with heavy weaponry took control of the base and either destroyed or captured nine out of the 16 military vehicles present. They also seized weapons and ammunition during the attack. Alongside the fatalities, reports suggest that approximately a dozen soldiers were taken hostage, with several others still unaccounted for. Some troops were able to escape on foot and were later rescued.
In response, the Niger Armed Forces (FAN), together with units from the National Guard (GNN), sent a convoy of approximately 20 vehicles from Tahoua to initiate operations in the region.
The Iknewane base has been targeted before. On September 18, 2024, EIGS militants conducted a similar attack that led to the deaths of at least 24 soldiers, as reported officially.
The Tahoua Region, especially its border areas with Mali, has seen an increase in militant violence. The Nigerien government is still contending with security challenges in these unstable regions, where armed groups often carry out attacks on military and civilian targets alike.
