Suspected jihadists have carried out a brutal attack in southwestern Niger, resulting in the deaths of nine travelers, including a teacher. The incident occurred on June 13 around 10:00 AM (0900 GMT) on the road connecting the towns of Makalondi and Torodi, which lie close to the border with Burkina Faso. A local teachers’ union confirmed the attack in a statement, highlighting that one of the deceased was a member of their community.
In addition to the fatalities, a second teacher sustained injuries and has been evacuated to Niamey for medical treatment. The union condemned the attack, labeling it a “despicable act” against innocent civilians. A resident of Torodi also corroborated the report, noting the presence of civilian casualties.
The region where the attack took place, known as the “three borders” zone, includes areas shared by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. This zone has become notorious for activities conducted by affiliates of both the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Local sources indicate that the Nigerien military is grappling with ongoing threats, including the use of improvised explosive devices targeting passersby on roads.
In response to the escalating violence, the Nigerien army reported that between June 8 and June 14, military operations at illegal gold mining sites in the Teguey commune resulted in the neutralization of 13 suspected terrorists. Additionally, around 30 members of so-called “criminal cells in training” were killed in a separate operation in the Dosso area, situated southwest near the Nigerian border.
Like its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger is currently under a military junta and faces a significant rise in jihadist-related violence. In a bid to combat this growing threat, the three nations have established a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Earlier this year, they announced plans to form a joint military force comprising 5,000 troops, alongside coordinated military efforts to enhance security in the region.
