At least 10 Nigerien soldiers have reportedly been killed after Boko Haram launched a deadly attack near N’Guigmi in southeastern Niger, close to the Lake Chad region.
According to local sources who spoke to AFP, the attack took place on Friday on the outskirts of the garrison town, an area that has long been affected by Boko Haram insurgency.
A resident of N’Guigmi, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said about 10 soldiers lost their lives during the assault.
“There were around 10 soldiers killed in this attack,” the resident told AFP.
He added that some of the attackers were also killed during the operation and that military forces had launched clearance operations to secure the area.
Several other residents also reported on social media that 10 soldiers and four National Guard personnel were killed in the attack.
Although Niger’s state-owned ANP news agency did not provide an official casualty figure, it confirmed that security personnel were killed following an attack by Boko Haram fighters near N’Guigmi.
The agency also reported that General Mahamadou Ibrahim, Governor of Diffa Region, travelled to the town to oversee the burial of the fallen security personnel.
Boko Haram’s insurgency, which began in 2009, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people, particularly in northeastern Nigeria. Over the years, the violence has spread into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting regional military operations against the terrorist group.
However, the regional alliance has faced challenges in recent years following political developments, including Niger’s withdrawal after the country’s military takeover.
Source: AFP
