Niger National Guard repels terrorist attack in torodi, neutralizes wanted militant leader
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Niger National Guard (Garde Nationale du Niger – GNN) stationed in Torodi, Tillabéri Region of western Niger Republic, on Sunday repelled a coordinated armed attack targeting their position at dawn.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the assailants, believed to be affiliated with terrorist groups operating along the Mali–Burkina Faso–Niger border corridor, were forced to retreat following a swift response by the troops, who were reinforced by two backup vehicles.
During the operation, an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated, killing two civilians who were passing near the area at the time of the ambush.
In a subsequent clearance operation, troops tracked down and neutralized a notorious terrorist commander who had been on the security watchlist for over three years. The suspect was allegedly involved in multiple deadly attacks along the Torodi–Makalondi and Torodi–Kobagué axes.
Items recovered from the suspect include three AK-47 magazines, an IED remote control device, and other tactical equipment.
This latest incident comes just weeks after a similar armed assault on the same locality on June 5, raising renewed concerns over the persistent threats posed by extremist groups in the region.
