Niger: 294 Killed in Terror Attacks in May 2025 — Report
A new report reveals that at least 294 people were killed in terrorist attacks across Niger in May 2025, highlighting the escalating insecurity in the Sahel region. The casualties include 188 members of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and 106 civilians, among them 25 local militia members.
Covering incidents from May 1 to May 31, the report underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist groups, particularly in the regions of Tillabéri, Dosso, Tahoua, and Diffa. These areas continue to experience coordinated assaults on military installations and local communities.
Among the most devastating incidents was an ambush on May 26 near Natangou in the Falmey area, where at least 53 soldiers, including a unit commander, Captain Aziz, were killed. The attack was claimed by Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM). A day earlier, 64 Nigerian Armed Forces (FAN) personnel died in Eknewan in an attack attributed to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS).
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also used in a series of deadly attacks along the oil pipeline corridor in Gaya and Konni. On May 25, seven FDS personnel were killed, followed by six more on May 23 in similar incidents.
Civilian communities were not spared. On May 12 and 13, 16 civilians were killed in the villages of Zaney and Fambita (Kokorou district). On May 18, 11 more civilians were killed in a coordinated raid that also resulted in the destruction of homes and food supplies.
Other notable incidents throughout the month include:
May 4: 37 soldiers killed in an EIGS ambush in Doutchi.
May 8: Seven women and girls killed by a roadside bomb between Baroua and Bosso.
May 9: Eight mining workers killed by an IED near Samira.
May 11: 19 local militia members killed in separate attacks in Danga and Anzourou.
May 16: Schools set ablaze by JNIM fighters in Kobadié, though no casualties were reported.
Security analysts caution that the actual death toll may be higher, as several attacks remain unverified due to limited access and communication challenges in remote regions.
The Case for Renewed Regional Security Cooperation
The rising tide of extremist violence in Niger, Nigeria, and across the broader Sahel and Lake Chad Basin underscores the urgent need for renewed cross-border security collaboration. Despite strained diplomatic ties following Niger’s July 2023 military coup, experts argue that pragmatic cooperation between Nigeria and Niger is essential for regional stability.
Nigeria, already contending with insurgent activity in border states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, Borno, and Zamfara, shares more than geography with Niger — the two nations are intertwined by culture, security interests, and economic interdependence.
Historically, joint military operations between the two countries yielded notable successes against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Analysts warn that these gains could be reversed if political paralysis continues. Restoring joint border patrols, intelligence sharing, and coordinated counter-terrorism offensives is critical to preventing extremist groups from capitalizing on governance gaps.
Furthermore, Niger should consider rejoining the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional security framework that previously enabled effective cooperation among Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Although weakened by political exits, the MNJTF remains one of the few African-led structures with a track record of operational success and cross-border legitimacy.
In the face of mounting insecurity, both Nigeria and Niger must rise above political divides to confront a common threat. The security of the region depends on it.
