By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

A terror attack in Niger’s southwestern Dosso region has resulted in the deaths of two Indian citizens and the abduction of a third, the Indian Embassy in Niamey confirmed on Friday. The incident, which occurred earlier in the week, underscores the escalating security challenges in the West African nation.

The Indian diplomatic mission stated that the “heinous terror attack” took place on Tuesday, July 15, in the Dosso region, located approximately 100 to 130 kilometers from the capital, Niamey. While the embassy did not release the identities of the victims, it confirmed the tragic loss of two Indian lives and the kidnapping of a third national during the assault. Local media reports indicate the attack involved an army unit guarding a construction site.

In the wake of the incident, the Indian Embassy in Niamey announced it is in close contact with Nigerien authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies of the deceased and to secure the safe and swift release of the abducted individual. The mission also issued an advisory urging all Indian citizens residing in Niger to exercise extreme vigilance and prioritize their safety amidst the volatile security climate.

Niger has faced a significant surge in violence from jihadist groups, including those affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, particularly since the military coup in July 2023. The country’s civilian population and security forces have borne the brunt of numerous attacks, exacerbating a complex humanitarian and political crisis in the Sahel region.