At least 46 soldiers of the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (SDF) were killed on Saturday in a coordinated attack by Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) militants near the Mali border in Iknewane, Tilia Department, Tahoua Region.
Security sources described the assault as a large-scale, highly intense operation that caught the military off guard. The attackers, who were heavily armed and in large numbers, overran the SDF base, destroying or seizing nine out of 16 military vehicles and looting weapons and ammunition.
Hostages Taken as Soldiers Go Missing
Reports indicate that at least a dozen soldiers were taken hostage, while several others remain missing. Some soldiers managed to escape on foot and were later rescued by security forces.
In response, the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) and the National Guard (GNN) have deployed a military convoy of about 20 vehicles from Tahoua to launch counter-operations in the area.
Rising Insecurity in Niger’s Border Regions
This is not the first attack on the Iknewane military position. On September 18, 2024, EIGS militants carried out a similar assault, killing at least 24 soldiers, according to official reports.
The Tahoua Region, particularly areas bordering Mali, has witnessed a surge in militant violence, with armed groups repeatedly targeting military and civilian populations. The Nigerien government continues to face escalating security challenges as jihadist insurgents exploit porous borders to carry out deadly attacks.