Suspected terrorists kill 46 local security personnel in western Niger

By: Zagazola Makama 

At least 46 members of Niger’s National Guard (GNN) and allied local militia were reportedly killed in a suspected terrorist attack on a security position in Dyagourou, Tillabéri Region, western Niger.

Security sources said the attack occurred on Tuesday when heavily armed insurgents stormed a National Guard position and the nearby base of the Domol Leydi self-defence militia in the Terra area of Tillabéri.

According to the sources, the attackers overran the position after intense fighting, leaving at least 46 National Guard personnel and militia members dead.

The incident is one of the latest in a series of deadly attacks targeting security forces and community defence groups in the volatile Tillabéri Region, where armed groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda have intensified their activities.

Meanwhile, another group of suspected terrorists launched a separate attack on security positions in Torodi on the same day.

Military sources said the Nigerien Security and Defence Forces (SDF) mounted a fierce resistance and successfully repelled the assault after intense gunfire.

The sources said the attackers were forced to retreat, abandoning about 20 bodies, motorcycles, weapons and ammunition at the scene.

However, the military also suffered casualties during the operation.

Among those reportedly killed was the son of the traditional ruler of Kieta Canton, whose death has attracted widespread attention on social media.

Sources added that several security personnel were also wounded during the fighting.

Meanwhile, funeral rites for some of the National Guard personnel killed in the Dyagourou attack were held on Wednesday at the Yantala Cemetery in Niamey.

The Nigerien authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the casualty figures or the attacks as of the time of filing this report.

The Tillabéri Region, bordering Mali and Burkina Faso, has remained one of the epicentres of insurgent violence in the Sahel, with frequent attacks against military formations and civilian communities.