Islamic State and Boko Haram Militants Launch Deadly Raids
Niamey, March 20, 2025 — The Nigerien army has confirmed the deaths of 13 soldiers following two separate attacks by jihadist groups in different parts of the country.
The first attack occurred on March 15 at a gold mining site in the western Tillaberi region, where Islamic State-affiliated militants ambushed Nigerien forces.
Coordinated Attack from Burkina Faso
“Nine soldiers fell in combat,” the army reported, adding that the assault was reinforced by militants crossing from Burkina Faso on about 100 motorcycles.
A swift joint operation between Niger and Burkina Faso involving air and ground forces helped repel the attackers, resulting in the elimination of 55 jihadists. Seven Nigerien soldiers sustained injuries.
Boko Haram Strikes Military Base
Just two days later, on March 17, another attack targeted a military outpost in eastern Niger.
“A group of around 300 Boko Haram fighters launched the assault using booby-trapped vehicles and explosives,” the army statement read.
The explosions claimed the lives of four soldiers, further escalating security concerns in the Sahel nation.
Unrest Persists Despite Military Rule
Since the July 2023 coup, Niger’s military leaders have struggled to stabilize the country, which remains plagued by terrorist insurgencies, economic sanctions, and restrictions on civil liberties.
In response to the increasing violence, Niger is joining forces with Mali and Burkina Faso to form a 5,000-strong regional security force aimed at combating jihadist groups, criminal gangs, and human traffickers.
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