On January 18, 2026, the Tillabéri region in western Niger was once again the scene of extreme violence. An attack carried out by armed men claimed the lives of at least 31 people in the village of Bosiye (Gorouol commune).

This region, located on the border between Burkina Faso and Mali, remains the epicenter of activity for groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda (JNIM) and the Islamic State (ISIS). Despite the military junta's takeover in Niamey, the jihadist pressure remains unabated.

Tillabéri: The most unstable region of the Sahel

According to data from the NGO Acled , Tillabéri emerged in 2025 as the bloodiest area in the central Sahel:

1. More than 1,200 deaths recorded in one year.
2. A majority of the victims were civilians.
3. A heavier toll than in any other region of Mali or Burkina Faso.

A daily terror for civilians

The insecurity manifests itself through targeted attacks and massacres of villagers:

1. Summary executions: Human Rights Watch documented at least 127 civilians executed by the Islamic State between March and September 2025.
2. Political targeting: The mayor of Gorouol, appointed by the military, was assassinated last September.
3. Motorized raids: Mass attacks, such as the one in Takoubatt (22 dead), illustrate the mobility and striking power of the insurgents.

A country caught in a vice

While the west is ravaged by JNIM and ISIS, southeastern Niger continues to suffer attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP . Overall, 2025 ended with a tragic death toll of nearly 2,000 linked to jihadist violence across Niger.