Defence/Security
Deadly Jihadist Attacks in Niger Since Coup Claim Dozens of Soldiers’ Lives
By Milcah Tanimu
Niger has experienced one of the deadliest attacks by jihadists since the military coup on July 26, with reports indicating that at least 29 soldiers have lost their lives, according to the country’s defense ministry.
The defense ministry stated that the soldiers were killed using “improvised explosive devices and kamikaze vehicles” and that a counter-offensive resulted in the deaths of “several dozen terrorists.” The attack occurred near the border with Mali.
Jihadist attacks on the army have been on the rise since the military seized power. The coup leaders cited the deteriorating security situation as a reason for overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum’s government.
France, which had 1,500 troops fighting the insurgency in Niger, plans to withdraw its forces by the end of the year under pressure from the junta. Last week, France’s ambassador to Niger left the country after being blockaded in the French embassy for several weeks on the junta’s orders.
In response to Monday night’s attack in the western Tahoua region, Niger’s military declared a three-day national mourning period. The army was conducting operations to “neutralize the threat” posed by al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group when they were attacked.
The defense ministry stated that the attackers “benefited from outside expertise,” although further details were not provided.
The recent surge in jihadist attacks in Niger has been linked to a security vacuum created when soldiers were reportedly recalled to the capital, Niamey, to guard the coup leaders. Last Thursday, hundreds of militants on motorcycles killed 12 soldiers in southwestern Niger, and last month, at least 17 soldiers were killed in another attack near the Burkina Faso border.
Jihadist and rebel violence has also escalated in neighboring Mali following the departure of French troops, with Mali now relying on the Russian mercenary group Wagner to combat the jihadists.
Last month, the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a security pact pledging mutual assistance in combating militants and external threats.
Armed bandits have abducted 30 people during an attack on Zamfarawa village in Zugu District, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack occurred on Oct. 7 at about 2:20 p.m., when a large number of bandits stormed the community, shooting sporadically to scare residents.
The hoodlums were said to have whisked away 30 villagers to an unknown destination.
Following the incident, security forces have intensified efforts to trace and rescue the abducted victims.
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two armed bandits during an exchange of fire with security operatives in Mada District, Gusau Local Government Area.
According to sources, the operation followed credible intelligence about an imminent bandit attack on villages within the Mada area.
The sources stated that at about 3:10 a.m. on Oct. 7, a joint team of police tactical operatives, community protection guards (CPG), and local hunters were deployed to Fegin Mahe village, where they laid an ambush along the suspected route of the bandits.
Three bandits were said to have approached the location and were immediately engaged in a gun battle by the security team.
Two of the bandits were killed during the encounter, while the third escaped with possible gunshot injuries.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Three suspected kidnappers have been killed by a mob in Emu Orakwan community, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Sources said that the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Oct. 6, when hunters and farmers in the area sighted the suspects at Akabueze camp.
The suspects were said to be among those who allegedly murdered a woman identified as Mrs. Ogbona on Oct. 1.
It was gathered that upon receiving the information, villagers and farmers mobilised and descended on the suspects, inflicting severe injuries on them before the arrival of security operatives.
Army troops accompanied by police personnel, moved swiftly to the scene and met the suspects at the point of death.
They were immediately taken to the General Hospital, where they were confirmed dead.
Their remains have been deposited at Imiuwuguina Mortuary, while investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Again 30 villagers abducted in Zamfara.
2 bandits meet Waterloo in Zamfara ambush.
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