Deadly ambush in Niger as 34 soldiers killed, dozens injured in Tillabéri region attack

In one of the deadliest assaults on Niger’s military this year, at least 34 soldiers were killed and 14 others wounded following a coordinated attack by heavily armed militants near Banibangou in the Tillabéri Region of western Niger.

According to a statement released by the Nigerien Ministry of Defence on Thursday, June 19, the early morning raid was carried out by what officials described as “several hundred mercenaries,” who launched the ambush using eight vehicles and over 200 motorcycles.

The attack reportedly took place in a volatile border zone, where Niger shares boundaries with Mali and Burkina Faso—an area long plagued by extremist violence and insurgent activity.

Military authorities confirmed that reinforcements and air support were swiftly deployed in response, with ongoing efforts to track and neutralize the fleeing attackers.

The Defence Ministry stated that “several dozen attackers” were killed during the counter-operation and enemy transport vehicles were destroyed.

All injured personnel have received medical treatment, and search-and-clear operations remain ongoing in the affected area.

The Niger Republic government also urged citizens to offer prayers for the soldiers who “paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.”