Nine civilians, including a school teacher, were killed in a suspected jihadist attack in southwestern Niger on Friday, June 13. The deadly assault targeted passenger vehicles traveling between Makalondi and Torodi, two towns located near the Burkina Faso border.
According to a statement released by a local teachers’ union, the attack occurred around 10:00 a.m. One of their members was among those killed, and another teacher was seriously injured and transported to Niamey for medical treatment. The union condemned the incident, calling it a “despicable act” against innocent civilians.
A resident from Torodi confirmed that there were civilian casualties, highlighting the vulnerability of this area. The attack took place less than 100 kilometers from Niamey, Niger’s capital, where the military has been working to manage ongoing security threats. These threats often include improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and assaults from jihadist groups operating in the region.
The affected region, Tillaberi, lies within what’s known as the “three borders” zone, a stretch shared by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. This area is a frequent target for armed groups linked to both the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, making it one of the most dangerous zones for civilians and government forces alike.
On Saturday, Niger’s military reported that it had killed 13 suspected militants between June 8 and 14 during a crackdown on illegal gold mining sites in the Teguey area of Tillaberi. In a separate operation near the Nigerian border in the Dosso region, around 30 members of what authorities described as “criminal training cells” were also neutralized.
Niger, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali, is governed by a military junta. All three countries continue to face frequent and deadly jihadist attacks. In response, they have formed a security partnership known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Earlier this year, the bloc announced plans for joint military operations supported by a combined force of 5,000 soldiers.
Despite these efforts, violence continues to affect civilians living near borders and rural towns. The latest attack underscores the growing risks faced by residents and teachers alike in conflict-prone areas across the Sahel.
By Lucky Anyanje