Attack On Nigerien National Guard Camp In Tillabéri Leaves Seven Dead, Ten Missing

By Zagazola Makama

In a deadly assault early yesterday morning, dozens of fighters from the militant group, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) launched a surprise attack on a Nigerien National Guard (GNN) camp located in Bouloundjounga, Tillabéri region.

The camp is situated approximately 4 kilometers from the Samira Hill gold mine and 10 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso.

The attack began around 6 a.m. on August 26th, as JNIM fighters surrounded the camp and initiated an assault on the Nigerian forces stationed there.

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The Nigerien National Guard unit, which consisted of 80 members of the Security and Defense Forces (FDS), was responsible for protecting the Samira Hill gold mine, the only operational commercial mine in Niger.

According to reports, the attack resulted in the deaths of seven FDS personnel, while ten others are currently missing. Only two vehicles belonging to the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) and their occupants managed to escape the attack.

In addition to the loss of life and personnel, a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was seized by the assailants during the attack, further raising concerns about the security situation in the region.