Niger's Defense and Security Forces (FDS) neutralized 17 suspected terrorists and arrested 33 criminals and their accomplices during a week-long series of anti-terrorism and anti-crime operations from February 16 to 22, 2026, the Integrated Operations Coordination Centre (CICO) reported on Wednesday, February 25.
The operations, codenamed Niya, Damissa, and Garkouwa, spanned multiple regions of the country and resulted in the seizure of a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives, illicit drugs, and smuggled fuel.
According to the CICO statement, key recoveries included:
- 1,098 sticks of dynamite
- 48 kilograms of cannabis
- Approximately 23,250 liters of smuggled fuel
- Hundreds of thousands of harmful tablets (likely psychotropic or counterfeit pharmaceuticals)
- Various firearms, including AK-47 rifles, hunting rifles, loaded magazines, and homemade cartridges
The operations also disrupted logistical and financial networks supporting criminal groups, with authorities emphasizing that the results “weaken the logistical and financial networks of criminal groups.”
Three improvised explosive device (IED) incidents were recorded during the period. Specialized teams defused two devices, while a third detonated without causing casualties, inflicting only minor material damage to a military vehicle.
Operation Niya (Right Bank of the Niger River)
Late on February 16, following an alert about armed terrorist elements entering the village of Sirem-Tondikoire, security forces conducted sweep operations. The suspects fled, abandoning an AK-47 rifle, four loaded magazines, a TYT portable radio, and other items. Livestock previously stolen by the assailants was recovered and returned to owners. On February 22, a patrol in the Ouro Gueladjo area neutralized a suspected terrorist lookout at a hostile observation post.
Operation Damissa
Multiple actions were carried out. On February 17, a cordon-and-search operation at Boumba market and along riverbanks led to the seizure of a large pirogue transporting 19 smaller boats, four hunting rifles, pellets, homemade cartridges, and related materials. On the evening of February 17, the Tombo Mouza border post intercepted armed motorcycle riders. One motorcycle was destroyed by a precise shot, and an AK-47-type weapon and ammunition were burned during the encounter; the attackers reportedly fled toward Nigeria. During a night patrol in Horou Boule (about 7 km north of Yelou), forces neutralized an armed individual and recovered his weapon.
Operation Garkouwa
On February 18, a vehicle traveling from Amzeguer to Dirkou was intercepted after warning shots were fired. The vehicle carried nearly 4,000 liters of smuggled fuel in jerrycans. Three individuals were arrested, and fuel, various items, and cash were seized.
The CICO reaffirmed the FDS's commitment to sustained operations and called on the population to collaborate actively with security forces to strengthen national security and preserve peace.
Niger continues to face persistent threats from armed terrorist groups, criminal networks, and cross-border trafficking, particularly in border regions and along the Niger River. The country has intensified coordinated military operations in recent years to dismantle militant cells, disrupt supply chains, and curb the proliferation of weapons and explosives.
These latest results underscore ongoing efforts to maintain pressure on both terrorist and criminal networks nationwide amid a challenging security environment.
