At least 46 soldiers from the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (SDF) were killed on Saturday in a coordinated assault by militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS).
The attack targeted an SDF outpost in Iknewane, located in Tilia Department near Niger’s border with Mali. Security sources described the ambush as large-scale and highly intense, catching the military off guard.
Zagazola Malama reports that heavily armed militants overran the base, destroying or seizing nine of the 16 military vehicles stationed there. They also looted weapons and ammunition.
In addition to the fatalities, reports indicate that around a dozen soldiers were taken hostage, while several others remain unaccounted for. Some troops managed to escape on foot and were later rescued.
In response, the Niger Armed Forces (FAN), along with units from the National Guard (GNN), deployed a convoy of around 20 vehicles from Tahoua to launch operations in the area.
This is not the first time the Iknewane base has been targeted. On September 18, 2024, EIGS militants carried out a similar assault, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 soldiers, according to official reports.
The Tahoua Region, particularly its border areas with Mali, has experienced a surge in militant violence. The Nigerien government continues to grapple with security challenges in these volatile regions, where armed groups frequently launch attacks on both military and civilian targets.
