At least eight members of Niger’s Defence and Security Forces (SDF) have been killed and 16 others remain missing following a deadly ambush in the northern part of the country. The attack, attributed to suspected Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) fighters, occurred on Sunday, May 4, in the Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
The ambush took place between Dogonkiria and Bagaroua, located in the northern part of Doutchi Department. A joint patrol consisting of National Guard and gendarmerie units was targeted during the operation. Preliminary reports suggest the attackers, believed to be linked to ISGS, coordinated the attack in a highly organized manner.
The patrol included 67 SDF personnel and 10 vehicles, three of which were seized by the attackers. Following the ambush, Nigerien forces immediately launched a search and rescue operation in the area. However, there are concerns that the death toll may rise as ongoing efforts continue to locate the missing soldiers.
The 16 missing personnel are currently presumed dead, pending further verification. Authorities in Niger have not yet released an official statement on the incident, though security forces are intensifying their response.
This attack highlights the growing threat of ISGS fighters in the region, who have been increasingly active in recent months. The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the rise in violence and the increasing number of ambushes targeting security forces in the Sahel region.
