A jihadist attack of rare violence struck the town of Torodi , in southwestern Niger , on the night of Sunday 4 to Monday 5 January 2026. Heavily armed men targeted the residence of the prefect , located in this strategic town, the last major settlement before the border with Burkina Faso , about fifty kilometers from Niamey .

According to security sources , the attack took place around 2:00 AM . The assailants reportedly used heavy weapons , including rockets, before setting fire to the residence . The provisional death toll stands at at least seven , including the prefect of Torodi, his wife and children , as well as other people present at the scene.

According to the same sources, the attackers took advantage of the attack to seize vehicles belonging to the defense and security forces before retreating. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that prisoners were released during their passage through the city.

This attack has not yet been officially claimed, but it is part of the context of recurring violence carried out by jihadist groups in the so-called three borders area, where organizations affiliated with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) operate.

The attack on Torodi is a major blow to the Nigerien administration , which was directly targeted at one of its local offices. It once again highlights the persistent security fragility in the southwest of the country, despite the military deployments in place.

At present, Nigerien authorities have not yet released a detailed official statement , and the death toll remains provisional. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible.