Niger endured a devastating day on Sunday, September 15, 2024, as three coordinated and deadly attacks targeted the Defense and Security Forces (SDF) in the Tillabéri, Diffa, and Dosso regions, leaving at least 32 dead and many more wounded or missing.
Niaktiré, Tillabéri: Dozens of Soldiers Missing
At approximately 5:30 p.m., a post of the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) under the Tahoua Special Forces Battalion (BSR) was subjected to a violent assault in Niaktiré, Torodi department (Tillabéri region). The attack, claimed by the JNIM-AQMI terrorist group, had been carefully planned, with the assailants sabotaging local phone networks beforehand to isolate the soldiers. Despite warnings of suspicious terrorist activity in the Samira area, no adequate preventive measures were taken. Out of the 130 soldiers stationed there, 27 were confirmed dead, and large quantities of weapons and ammunition were seized by the attackers.
Baroua, Diffa: A Lethal ISWAP Ambush
Earlier that day, around 10:00 a.m., a patrol in the Diffa region near Baroua was ambushed by the ISWAP group. An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as the patrol passed, killing five soldiers and severely injuring two others. Shortly after, terrorists attacked a civilian transport vehicle on the road between Toumour and Kinsha, killing all passengers.
Tounouga, Dosso: Police and Customs Station Raided
Later that night, unidentified armed assailants attacked the police station in Tounouga, Dosso region, located 25 kilometers from Gaya. Two vehicles and two motorcycles were destroyed, and at least one child drowned while fleeing the violence. The attackers ransacked the offices of the police, customs, and the local Administrator.
Escalating Chaos and Global Concern
These simultaneous attacks across different regions underscore the worsening security situation in Niger. The Defense and Security Forces are increasingly vulnerable to the growing capabilities of terrorist groups like JNIM-AQMI and ISWAP. Over the past year, these groups have expanded their reach while Niger’s military struggles with declining morale, organization, and effectiveness.
This deterioration is a direct consequence of the coup led by General Tiani and the National Council for the Protection of the Homeland (CNSP). Once able to counter terrorist threats with international support, Niger’s army has been left disorganized and demoralized. Under the erratic leadership of Tiani, Mody, Barmou, and Toumba, the SDF is now unable to adequately defend the country, allowing terrorist groups to strengthen their hold, exacerbating the cycle of violence and insecurity across Niger.