Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Four Soldiers In Southern Niger Attack

Suspected members of the Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), a militant jihadist group also known as the Lakurawa terror group in Nigeria, have reportedly killed four soldiers in an attack on Tafouka, a town in the Konni area of Niger’s Tahoua region.

The group, which has been infiltrating northern Sokoto and Kebbi states from Niger Republic and Mali, also claimed the life of a civilian, leaving two others critically injured.

According to a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, on Wednesday, the assailants coordinated their attack by gathering in the area and dispersing into smaller motorcycle units.

The publication noted that a civilian project worker was intercepted and executed, with his motorcycle set ablaze before the larger assault unfolded.

Niger’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) responded by dispatching a reconnaissance team of six personnel in a specialised vehicle to survey the scene.

However, the team was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers, critical injuries to two others, and the destruction of their vehicle.

“Faced with significant risks, the FDS personnel stationed in Tafouka opted to retreat toward the town of Konni without engaging further with the attackers,” Zagazola Makama reported.

The attack caused widespread disruption in the region, with multiple buses and trucks rerouting to Konni for safety amid growing insecurity.