Jihadists overrun Gendarmerie Camp in Niger, kill over 21 officers

Suspected jihadist fighters on Friday launched a deadly raid on the Gendarmerie Camp in Garbougna, Niger Republic, overrunning the base and killing more than 21 gendarmes, security sources have confirmed.

According to the sources, the assailants—thought to be aligned with extremist organisations operating across the Sahel—arrived in large numbers and swiftly overpowered the personnel stationed at the facility during an early morning onslaught.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency specialist Zagozola Makama was informed by sources that the attackers made off with multiple vehicles as well as a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition kept at the camp.

“The situation is dire. The Garbougna gendarmerie post was overrun, and dozens of weapons and vehicles were taken. The number of casualties is still being compiled, but more than 21 gendarmes are feared killed,” one security source said.

The incident highlights the deepening instability in parts of Niger, where groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State have continued to launch coordinated attacks on security posts and rural settlements.

As of the time this report was filed, Niger’s military leadership had not released an official statement on the assault.

The development comes amid rising militant activity in the tri-border area shared by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which has seen an uptick in ambushes and base raids targeting security forces in recent months.