“Tragic Ambush: Seven Soldiers Fall in Niger Republic Assault”

At least seven members of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, FDS, have lost their lives in an ambush.

The occurrence transpired following an incursion by suspected militants of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara near Sanam in the Tillabéri Region.

This information was shared in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, an expert in counter-insurgency and security in the Lake Chad area.

The assault reportedly took place on Tuesday, March 24, in the Sanam locality, situated within Abala Department.

Makama revealed that heavily armed attackers targeted Wanni village around 9:00 a.m., stealing livestock before escaping the area.

He stated that the FDS allegedly initiated a pursuit operation but were caught in an ambush by the assailants during the chase.

“A preliminary report suggests that seven soldiers were killed, while two others suffered serious injuries and were transported to Niamey for medical care.

“One military vehicle along with its personnel remains missing,” a source noted.

NAIJATAB reports that Tillabéri Region, located in western Niger, has become a focal point of extremist violence, experiencing frequent attacks linked to armed groups associated with the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.