Niamey: During the period from March 3 to 8, 2026, the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) maintained strong pressure on the entire national territory through several operations, notably the Niya and Garkouwa operations which made it possible to neutralize several terrorists and the arrest of 22 accomplices of the latter, reports the latest bulletin from the integrated coordination center of operations (CICO).
According to Burkina Information Agency, in the west of the country, during Operation Niya, on Tuesday, March 4th, in Torodi, an individual identified as a terrorist lookout was spotted near a military installation while carrying out a reconnaissance mission, likely in preparation for a hostile action against the Defense and Security Forces. Pursued during his attempt to flee, he was neutralized by the forces involved.
In the same operational context, another individual identified as a terrorist lookout was observed in the northwest vicinity of the Samira outpost. Detected while conducting suspicious surveillance of the military installation, he was immediately apprehended by the troops on site and neutralized. A search of his hiding place yielded a Motorola radio and various other incriminating items.
Two days later, a patrol from Makalondi's forces dismantled two terrorist logistics sites near Bankata Gourmantch©, where the sites were used to manufacture improvised explosive devices. Several items of equipment used in the production of these homemade mines were seized and then destroyed on site by the troops involved.
Also in Niya, on March 6, a sweep operation conducted on the outskirts of Kokorou led to the interception of a group of terrorists transporting livestock stolen from the local population. The offensive action by the troops involved resulted in the neutralization of five assailants. A search of the bodies yielded several items of military equipment and supplies, including Pataugas-type boots, camouflage fatigues, foot coverings, and 12.7 mm ammunition.
During the same operation, a large herd of large ruminants, consisting of 103 head of oxen and cows, was recovered and returned to the rightful owners.
Finally, on the evening of Sunday, March 8, 2025, a raid operation conducted by a unit of the Defense and Security Forces on the Tillim - Sikkambandio axis resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of logistical equipment belonging to the enemy. The recovered material includes: a set of medical kits; fuel and used motor oil; solar panels; 5 batteries; control devices for the deployment of improvised explosive devices; and various other incriminating items.
Further north in the country, as part of Operation Garkouwa, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, on a bypass in the Tabarkat area, two trucks transporting smuggled fuel were intercepted by the Defense and Security Forces. This operation resulted in the seizure of a total of 46 tanks, each with a capacity of 1,000 liters, for a total volume of 46,000 liters of diesel fuel.
Despite the persistence of multifaceted threats, the overall situation in the country remains largely under control, with the Defense and Security Forces clearly maintaining the initiative on the ground. The operations conducted have resulted not only in the neutralization of mercenaries, but also in the arrest of 22 other individuals, including several active accomplices involved in networks supporting and facilitating criminal activities.
During the period under review, significant seizures were also made from illicit networks. These included 2,389 sticks of dynamite, 5 rolls of detonating cord, 618 balls of cannabis, hundreds of thousands of harmful tablets, and approximately 97,000 liters of fuel.
The Defense and Security Forces reaffirm their commitment and determination to valiantly defend the entire national territory, while urging the civilian population to fully participate in meeting this challenge by promptly reporting any suspicious behavior observed in the immediate vicinity.