46 SOLDIERS REPORTEDLY KILLED IN MILITANT ASSAULT ON NIGERIEN MILITARY BASE IN TAHOUA

February 1, 2025

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At least 46 soldiers from Niger’s Defense and Security Forces (SDF) were reportedly killed on Saturday in a coordinated attack by militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS).

The assault targeted an SDF base in Iknewane, Tilia Department, near Niger’s border with Mali. Security sources described the attack as large-scale and intense, taking the military by surprise.

According to security analyst and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the attackers, heavily armed and in significant numbers, overran the base, destroying nine out of the 16 military vehicles stationed there. They also seized weapons and ammunition.

In response, the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) and the National Guard (GNN) have deployed a military convoy of around 20 vehicles from Tahoua to carry out operations in the area.

This is not the first attack on the Iknewane base. On September 18, 2024, EIGS militants launched a similar assault, killing at least 24 soldiers, according to official reports.

The Tahoua Region, particularly its border areas with Mali, has experienced increasing militant violence.