EIGS Attack on Eknewan Military Post Leaves 41 Soldiers Dead in Tahoua Region in Niger 

By: Zagazola Makama 

 At least 41 personnel of the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (FDS) were killed in the early hours of Saturday following a large-scale attack by suspected Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) militants on a military position in Eknewan, west of Télemces, in the Tillia commune of Niger’s Tahoua Region.

Military sources report that the assault, which began shortly before dawn on May 25, was particularly violent and lasted nearly three hours. During the attack, the insurgents briefly occupied the base, setting fire to nine vehicles and seizing several others along with a large quantity of weapons and ammunition. Several soldiers are reportedly still missing.

This marks one of the deadliest assaults on Nigerien forces in recent months. Security officials have launched operations to locate the missing personnel and recover the seized equipment.

Saturday's attack comes just eight months after a similar offensive on the same Eknewan base on September 18, 2024, during which 38 soldiers were killed.

The Tahoua Region, particularly the Tillia commune, remains one of the most volatile zones in Niger, facing persistent threats from armed groups linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.