12 soldiers killed in terrorist ambush in Tillabéri region
By Zagazola Makama
At least 12 soldiers of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) have been killed following a terrorist ambush during a security operation in the Tillabéri Region of Niger Republic.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Friday, April 25, about 10 kilometres north of Sakoira, when troops engaged in a security mission were attacked by insurgents disguised among civilian settlements.
According to security sources, the soldiers mounted a swift and courageous response despite the surprise nature of the attack, holding their positions until the arrival of aerial and ground reinforcements. The combined counteroffensive forced the terrorists to retreat towards the northern axis.
Following the ambush, the FDS launched an extensive pursuit operation, deploying significant air and ground assets to track down the fleeing assailants. During the fierce fighting, 12 soldiers lost their lives while defending their nation.
In a related development, two individuals suspected of participating in the ambush were arrested during mop-up operations. They were apprehended while attempting to hide on an elevated terrain and have been handed over to competent authorities for further investigation to determine their roles and trace possible accomplices within terrorist networks.
The latest attack underlines the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups in the Tillabéri region, widely regarded as an epicentre of jihadist violence in the Sahel. It also highlights the ongoing need for heightened vigilance and the strengthening of operational capacities to confront and overcome insurgent threats.
