Dozens of Nigerien Troops Missing After Clash with Terrorists in Mangaïze Area
By: Zagazola Makama
Serious concern has gripped Niger Republic following the disappearance of a National Guard patrol unit that went missing after an encounter with suspected terrorists in the volatile Mangaïze–Tongo Tongo–Tiloa triangle, near the Malian border.
The patrol, consisting of dozens of security personnel, reportedly engaged fighters from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) in a confrontation four days ago. The unit had issued an emergency alert to their base in Oualam during the clash. However, since then, there has been no communication from the troops.
The families of the soldiers have been left in anguish, desperately seeking information about the fate of their loved ones, as the National Guard command remains silent on the matter.
The silence from military authorities has intensified public anxiety, especially given the volatile nature of the border region where multiple armed groups operate.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by the Nigerien government or the National Guard command.
