Forty one (41) security incidents have led to the death of one thousand and six (1,006) security forces in Niger republic.
A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the lakechad region and West Africa Zagazola Makama who confirmed the development said the incidents happened from July 26, 2023, to July 26, 2024.
According to Makama, the most lethal month was July 2024, with 356 FDS fatalities, while December 2023 experienced no security incidents.
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“The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) caused the most fatalities, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM-AQMI) conducted the highest number of attacks. During President Bazoum’s two-year tenure, there were 14 security incidents resulting in 59 FDS deaths,” said Makama.
The incident includes; July 22, 2024: Kokourou- 59 FDS killed. A gendarmerie patrol fell into an ambush at 12 PM in the Kokourou area, Téra department, Tillabéri region. The attack resulted in 27 FDS fatalities, several injuries, and missing personnel.
– July 21, 2024: Tankademi- 237 FDS killed. An EIGS ambush targeted a column of 237 FDS engaged in Operation XXL between Tankademi, Tanouarti, and Agando.
– July 20, 2024: Ikarfane- 34 FDS killed. The ambush resulted in the loss of four armored vehicles, one destroyed vehicle, 11 captured pickup trucks, and multiple missing soldiers in the area between Ikarfane and Ezza at 2 PM.
– July 20, 2024: N’Guel Kolo- 2 FDS killed. An attack on the gendarmerie post in N’guel Kolo, located in the Chetimari commune, 40 km northwest of Diffa, resulted in the death of a gendarme and a GNN officer. A vehicle was also captured.
– July 18, 2024: Mbanga- 7 FDS killed. GNN elements on escort duty fell into a GAT ambush near the gold mining site of Kambou-soukoney in the Mbanga area, Tillabéri region. Initial reports indicated the target was a group of Chinese prospectors. Out of five vehicles, three went missing, and two escaped the ambush.
– July 11, 2024: Takanamatt- 17 FDS killed. Two confrontations between GNN reinforcements and EIGS resulted in the loss of six soldiers and three vehicles in the first engagement, and eleven GNN fatalities, dozens of injuries, and 26 missing soldiers in the second ambush.
– July 10, 2024: Tébaram- 8 FDS killed. A GNN patrol fell into an ambush at 5 PM near Tébaram, Tahoua region. One vehicle was destroyed, and another was captured.
– July 8, 2024: Say-Tamou- 33 FDS killed. A JNIM-AQMI ambush between Say and Tamou targeted a mixed patrol of GARSI-GNN-CMCF, resulting in 33 FDS fatalities, 11 injuries, and 21 missing personnel.
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– July 5, 2024: Chetimari- 1 FDS killed. An EI-claimed assassination of a police officer in Chetimari, Diffa region.
– June 25, 2024: Assia (Gotheye)- 47 FDS killed. The JNIM-AQMI attack resulted in 47 FDS fatalities and 18 injuries (11 severe).
– June 21, 2024: Dirkou- 1 FDS killed. An ambush near Agueur, 18 km from Bilma, led to the death of the lieutenant of the GNN.
– June 12, 2024: Salkam- 6 FDS killed. An ambush near Salkam, in the Tibiri commune, Doutchi department, Dosso region, resulted in six FDS fatalities, one hostage, and two destroyed vehicles.
– May 29, 2024: Gargada- 3 FDS killed. An ARSE mission was attacked near Gargada, Mainé-Soroa/Diffa department.
– May 21, 2024: Boni- 55 FDS killed and six hostages. An attack resulted in the death of 55 soldiers, including the post commander, and six hostages.
– May 20, 2024: Lada/Diffa- 20 FDS killed. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for IED attacks resulting in 20 FDS fatalities over two days.
– April 29, 2024: Filingué- 6 FDS killed. A GANE ambush near Filingué, Tillabéri region, led to six FDS fatalities.
– April 20, 2024: Toulou Ndamissa- 6 FDS killed. An EIGS attack resulted in six fatalities from the 42nd BIA.
– April 15, 2024: Samira- 5 FDS killed. An IED explosion near Samira, Téra department, Tillabéri region, resulted in five soldier fatalities.
– April 10, 2024: Tingara- 6 FDS killed. An IED explosion near Tingara, Tillabéri region, resulted in six fatalities.