Suspected Islamic militants linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have captured the Boni military base in Niger’s Torodi Department, near the border with Burkina Faso, sparking renewed fears about rising insecurity in the region.
The attack took place on Thursday around noon, according to intelligence sources cited by counterterrorism tracker Zagazola Makama. The militants quickly overran the base, which was previously occupied by troops from the Special Intervention Battalion (BSI 95) and the Niger National Guard’s Intervention and Security Group (GIS).
The Boni base is considered a strategic security point between Niger and Burkina Faso, helping to check the movement of jihadist fighters across the porous border.
In response to the attack, the military command in Niamey deployed a Burkinabe Air Force reconnaissance helicopter to assess the situation, but the aircraft reportedly came under heavy gunfire and had to withdraw.
As of the time of this report, the number of casualties remains unknown, and no official statement has been issued on the status of the soldiers at the base. However, sources fear the death toll may be worse than a previous attack on the same camp in 2023, which left 50 soldiers dead and six abducted.
Under former President Mohamed Bazoum, the Boni base was reinforced with a permanent combat helicopter due to its vulnerability. However, after the military coup on July 26, 2023, that brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power, the helicopter was withdrawn to Niamey — reportedly to protect the junta leadership.
Security experts are warning that the fall of Boni could open the door to more cross-border attacks and deepen instability in the Sahel region.
