The Nigerien army announces the killing of 40 terrorists and the seizure of weapons and fuel

In a recent official statement, the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces announced their success in neutralizing (40) terrorist elements and arresting (96) other people suspected of involvement with or association with extremist armed groups, as a result of intensive military operations that included airstrikes and ground movements in various parts of the country.

The Nigerien army explained, through its weekly statement broadcast on national television, that these operations come within the framework of a comprehensive strategy to clear the border and interior regions of hotspots of tension, noting that the armed forces were able to deliver painful blows to the infrastructure of terrorist groups.

Details of the seized items and weapons

The operations not only resulted in casualties among the militants, but also in cutting off their logistical support. The statement confirmed the seizure of large quantities of equipment, including:

• (23) Various weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
• Two homemade bombs that were ready to be detonated were destroyed.
• (1,732) boxes of prohibited materials and (194) kilograms of Indian hemp were seized.
• More than (17) thousand liters of smuggled fuel were confiscated, which is a lifeline for the movements of military vehicles of armed groups.

The security context in the Sahel region

These operations come at a time when the Sahel region of Africa, specifically the "tri-border area" between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, is witnessing a marked increase in the activity of armed groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda. Niger faces complex security challenges that require constant vigilance, especially after the recent withdrawal of foreign forces (French and American), which has placed the entire burden of protecting national sovereignty on the shoulders of the national army.

The link between terrorism and organized crime

The seizures announced by the army, particularly drugs and smuggled fuel, point to the close link between terrorism and organized crime and smuggling networks. Terrorist groups are increasingly relying on smuggling proceeds to finance their operations, purchase weapons, and recruit fighters. Controlling smuggling routes and cutting off these supply lines is an integral part of Niamey's military campaign to establish stability.

Through these proactive operations, the military authorities in Niger seek to reassure the local population and restore the prestige of the state in remote areas that have suffered for years from the ravages of armed attacks and instability.