Seven soldiers killed in ambush in tillabéri region in Niger Republic

By: Zagazola Makama

At least seven soldiers of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) have been killed in a deadly ambush following an incursion by suspected fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) near Sanam in Tillabéri Region.

Security sources said the incident occurred on Tuesday, March 24, in the Sanam area, located in Abala Department.

According to the sources, heavily armed assailants attacked Wanni village at about 9:00 a.m., rustling livestock before fleeing the scene.

The FDS reportedly launched a pursuit operation but were ambushed by the attackers during the chase.

A provisional toll indicates that seven soldiers were killed, while two others sustained serious injuries and were evacuated to Niamey for medical treatment.

The sources further disclosed that one military vehicle and its crew remain unaccounted for as of the time of filing this report.

Tillabéri Region, in western Niger, has remained a hotspot of extremist violence, with frequent attacks attributed to armed groups linked to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.

Seven soldiers killed in ambush in tillabéri region in Niger Republic

Troops arrest two suspected terrorists’ informants in Damboa axis in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two suspected informants linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the general area of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.

A military source said the suspects, identified as Musa Alhaji Isah, 28, and Akona Alhaji, 30, were apprehended at about 5:30 a.m. on March 23 by troops of 25 Brigade during routine operations.

The suspects, both natives of Shiwari community in Damboa LGA, were intercepted following suspicious movements within a location described as “Serial 7 general area,” an outer deployment zone leading to the Timbuktu Triangle, a known terrorists’ enclave.

According to the source, preliminary findings suggest that the suspects may have been conducting reconnaissance for terrorist elements operating in the axis.

Items recovered from them include two bicycles, one mobile phone, three daggers, a torchlight, a wristwatch, charms, and a cash sum of N6,900.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the Military Intelligence Response unit for further investigation.

Troops arrest two suspected terrorists’ informants in Damboa axis in Borno

Freed victims expose evolving logistics, coercion tactics of terrorists in Kainji forest

By: Zagazola Makama

Fresh revelations by two freed abductees have shed light on the growing sophistication of terrorist logistics and control mechanisms within the Kainji Forest Reserve, raising concerns over the scale of insurgent entrenchment in the area.

The victims, identified as Badiyu Hamidu and Saminu Isah, regained their freedom and arrived in Babanna at about 1100hrs, providing what security analysts describe as “critical human intelligence” on insurgent operations.

According to their account, no fewer than 10 trucks conveying grains, yams, and other farm produce were offloaded at a terrorist camp deep within the forest. The scale of the supplies, analysts say, points to an organised logistics chain capable of sustaining prolonged insurgent activity.

More striking, however, is the reported use of abducted civilians to support these operations. The victims said they were compelled at gunpoint to assist in offloading the supplies, highlighting a pattern of forced labour increasingly adopted by terrorist groups to reduce exposure and maintain operational secrecy.

The presence of young boys guarding the supply operation further underscores concerns about the continued recruitment and use of minors in insurgent activities, a development experts warn could deepen the cycle of radicalisation in affected communities.

The narrative of “betrayal” advanced by the terrorists against fleeing communities also offers insight into the evolving relationship between armed groups and local populations. According to the victims, the insurgents claimed to have previously granted locals access to restricted economic activities such as farming, fishing, mining, and logging within the forest, despite government prohibitions.

This was interpreted as a form of shadow governance, where terrorist groups create informal economic systems to win local cooperation or compliance. However, the backlash against communities attempting to flee suggests a shift towards coercion as military pressure intensifies.

“The accusation of betrayal indicates that these groups are losing voluntary support and are now resorting to intimidation to retain control,” sources noted.

The development also illustrates the strategic importance of the Kainji forest corridor, which has increasingly emerged as a hub for criminal and insurgent activities, partly due to its difficult terrain and limited state presence.

The reported stockpiling of food and supplies may be linked to preparations for sustained resistance against ongoing and anticipated counter-terrorism operations in the region.

Freed victims expose evolving logistics, coercion tactics of terrorists in Kainji forest