12 Niger’s soldiers killed in Sahel deadly ambush

Twelve members of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) have been confirmed dead after falling into a terrorist ambush during a security operation in Niger Republic’s Tillabéri Region.

Security analyst Zagozola Makama reported that the attack occurred on Friday, April 25, about 10 kilometres north of Sakoira. Troops on a mission to safeguard the area were ambushed by insurgents who had concealed themselves within civilian settlements.

Despite being caught off guard, security sources said the soldiers mounted a “swift and courageous response,” maintaining their defensive positions until both air and ground reinforcements arrived. The arrival of backup troops forced the attackers to retreat towards the northern sector.

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In response to the assault, the FDS launched an aggressive pursuit, deploying significant ground and aerial assets to hunt down the fleeing insurgents. Tragically, 12 soldiers lost their lives during the intense battle.

Meanwhile, two suspects believed to have taken part in the ambush were arrested during a follow-up operation.

They were reportedly found hiding on elevated terrain and have since been handed over to authorities for interrogation, with investigators working to uncover their roles and identify any terrorist network accomplices.

12 Niger’s soldiers killed in Sahel deadly ambush

Niger Republic rebel leader threatens new attacks

Moussa Kounaï, head of the Patriotic Movement for Freedom and Justice (MPLJ) in Niger Republic, has issued a fresh warning of renewed hostilities against the government led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, threatening imminent strikes on the nation’s oil sector.

In a statement delivered from a remote desert location in northern Niger on Saturday, April 26, Kounaï accused the “Tiani cartel” of betraying the nation and pledged to prioritize attacks on critical oil facilities in what he described as a new phase of the rebellion.

“Our fight is for freedom and justice,” Kounaï said. “The exploitation of Niger’s resources by an illegitimate regime must be stopped.”

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Although Kounaï did not detail specific targets or a timeline for the operations, he made it clear that oil fields and pipelines would be treated as “legitimate targets” in the campaign against what he termed “the usurpers in Niamey.”

Security experts have cautioned that a resurgence in rebel activity could deliver a significant blow to Niger’s already fragile economy, which is heavily dependent on oil revenues.

As of now, the Tiani administration has not officially responded to Kounaï’s threats.

Meanwhile, military patrols have reportedly been strengthened around key oil installations in the Agadem region, amid rising concerns about potential acts of sabotage.

Niger Republic rebel leader threatens new attacks

(Zagozola Makama)

Over 120 inmates escape prison in Chad shoot-out

No fewer than 120 inmates escaped a Chad prison during a shoot-out that left three people dead and wounded a state governor visiting the facility, officials told AFP.

The breakout occurred late Friday when an uprising happened in the high-security penitentiary five kilometres (three miles) from the town of Mongo, in the centre of Chad.

“There are around 100 who escaped, three dead and three wounded,” Hassan Souleymane Adam, secretary general of the Guera province in which Mongo is located, said.

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A local Mongo official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, disclosed that prisoners broke into a manager’s office to steal guns.

“A shootout with guards ensued at the same time the governor arrived. He was wounded,” he said.

The Mongo official confirmed there were three killed and a total number of 132 prisoners escaped.

He disclosed that the prisoners revolted after complaining about a lack of food.

In a telephone chat with AFP, Chad’s Justice Minister Youssouf Tom stated that he was about to fly to the region and would be able to give “precise information once I am at Mongo in the coming hours.”

Over 120 inmates escape prison in Chad shoot-out