Nigerian authorities have reported the deaths of 12 soldiers and the injury of 7 others following an attack by armed assailants in the southwestern region of the country.
The "National Council for the Protection of the Nation" stated in a press release, "One of the units tasked with ensuring security in the Kandaji region on September 28, 2023, fell victim to a brutal attack by hundreds of terrorists riding motorcycles... We mourn the loss of 12 of our brave soldiers."
The statement further noted that 7 individuals were evacuated due to injuries sustained during the attack. It was highlighted that Nigerien forces compelled the terrorists to retreat, resulting in the death of approximately 100 of them, as well as the destruction of their motorcycles and weapons.
Niger is considered one of the world's poorest countries and has been engaged in intense combat with terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda for several years.
In late July of the previous year, the Nigerien military, via state television, announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power due to the security and economic issues plaguing the nation.
This move was met with disapproval from Western nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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