Six members of the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (FDS) were killed on Thursday, May 23, in a deadly ambush by suspected Islamic State militants in southern Niger. The attack took place in the Tanda area of Gaya Department, within the Dosso Region, as the troops were on patrol to secure the Niger-Benin oil pipeline corridor.
Security sources say the ambush was carried out by fighters believed to belong to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS), a terrorist group responsible for several deadly attacks across the Sahel region. The patrol was aimed at protecting the strategic pipeline route, which has increasingly come under threat from armed groups.
A preliminary report confirms that six security personnel lost their lives during the ambush, and a military vehicle was destroyed. Images of one of the deceased officers have surfaced on social media, although the Nigerien government has not yet released an official statement confirming the identities of the fallen soldiers.
Security experts say the Niger-Benin pipeline has become a high-risk area for attacks as it represents a vital economic lifeline for Niger. The pipeline, which runs from the Agadem oil fields in Niger to the port of Sèmè-Kpodji in Benin, is part of a \$4 billion project expected to significantly boost the country’s oil exports and revenue.
“The pipeline is not just an economic asset; it’s also a strategic target for those seeking to destabilize the region,” said a regional analyst who spoke under anonymity due to security concerns.
Following the attack, Nigerien authorities have deployed security reinforcements to the affected area in an attempt to stabilize the region and protect critical infrastructure. There are concerns that attacks like this could disrupt the operations of the pipeline and deter foreign investment.
Although no group has officially claimed responsibility for the ambush, the style and location of the attack align with patterns previously attributed to EIGS, which is active in border areas between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The Dosso Region, where the ambush occurred, is close to the border with Benin and has not traditionally seen as much violence as other parts of Niger like Tillabéri or Tahoua. However, recent activity by extremist groups suggests that the threat is spreading southward.
This incident comes amid growing insecurity across the Sahel, where national armies and international forces continue to struggle against jihadist insurgencies. The instability has also led to humanitarian crises, displacement, and strained resources in already vulnerable communities.
Regional and international observers are calling for stronger coordination between Niger and neighboring countries like Benin to secure shared infrastructure and prevent further attacks.
As of the time of this report, the Nigerien Ministry of Defense has yet to issue a formal statement on the incident.
