Niger: The army steps up the fight against Islamic State insurgents in West Africa

The Nigerien Armed Forces have made a significant breakthrough in their battle against the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), seizing a large cache of weapons and ammunition. In a recent operation, the military clashed with 140 insurgents and captured 57, marking a decisive moment in the ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist groups operating around Lake Chad.

This offensive is part of a broader campaign to neutralize insurgents hiding in the remote areas surrounding the lake.

According to an inside source, this action is a key component of the strategy to root out the remaining ISWAP cells, which have been exploiting the challenging terrain to evade security forces.

Among the seized items were a machine gun, five AK-47 assault rifles, 796 rounds of ammunition, eight magazines, and two motorcycles used by the insurgents for rapid movement and evasion.

The discovery of this arms cache underscores the military’s commitment to cutting off the logistical support of the insurgents and weakening their operational capabilities.

This operation highlights the growing effectiveness of the Nigerien army, driven by President Tiani’s leadership, as they continue to intensify efforts against terrorism in the region.

Titi KEITA