Jihadists on 200 motorbikes storm Niger army base

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AFP via Getty Images Niger’s army has been struggling to contain the jihadist insurgency (file photo)

More than 200 gunmen on motorbikes have attacked a Niger army base near the border with Mali, leaving at least 34 soldiers dead, the country’s defence ministry said. The attackers – described by the ministry as “mercenaries” – raided the base in the western town of Banibangou on Thursday, injuring 14 other soldiers. The ministry said that its forces killed “dozens of terrorists” in the battle. Niger’s military is under pressure for failing to curb militant attacks, one of its justifications for deposing democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023.

“This Thursday, June 19, a cowardly and barbaric attack was carried out against [the town of] Banibangou by a horde of several hundred mercenaries aboard eight vehicles and more than 200 motorbikes,” the ministry said in a statement read out on state TV. It added that the troops were conducting search operations in Banibangou to track down the attackers. The region with more ‘terror deaths’ than rest of world combined

Niger military leaders to nationalise uranium firm The town, which lies close to the three-way border between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, is prone to jihadist attacks from Islamist groups. Niger’s ruling junta has expelled French and US forces that had been heavily involved in the fight against jihadists. West African neighbours Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali are facing an insurgency from different jihadist groups which operate across the Sahel region. The three countries have formed an alliance to fight the jihadists and scaled back ties with the West, turning to Russia and Turkey instead for their security needs. But the violence has continued.

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Over 200 gunmen attacked a Niger army base, killing 34 soldiers. The junta faces criticism for failing to control rising jihadist violence.

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In a shocking escalation of violence, more than 200 gunmen on motorbikes attacked a Niger army base, resulting in at least 34 soldiers dead. This tragic event, occurring on June 19, 2025, highlights the ongoing security crisis in the Sahel region.

6 Key Takeaways Over 200 gunmen attacked Niger army base.

At least 34 soldiers were killed.

Attackers described as “mercenaries.”

Niger’s military faces criticism for failures.

Junta expelled French and US forces.

Regional alliance formed against jihadist groups.

The Niger defense ministry described the attackers as “mercenaries” who raided the military base in Banibangou, injuring 14 soldiers. Despite the military’s claims of killing dozens of attackers, the incident raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Niger’s military in combating jihadist threats.

Fast Answer: The recent attack on a Niger army base underscores the escalating jihadist violence in the Sahel, challenging regional security efforts and international partnerships.

This incident prompts a critical question: How can Niger effectively combat the growing insurgency? The ruling junta’s decision to expel French and US forces, previously instrumental in fighting jihadists, raises further doubts about their strategy. Key points to consider include:

The increasing reliance on alliances with Russia and Turkey for security.

The persistent threat of jihadist groups operating across Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

The potential for further destabilization in the region if violence continues unabated.

The ongoing violence in Niger poses a significant threat not only to national security but also to regional stability in West Africa.

As the situation develops, it is crucial for Niger and its neighbors to reassess their security strategies and international partnerships to effectively combat the rising tide of extremism.