Jihadist militant groups have long terrorised Nigeria's north and parts of Niger and Benin. But in recent years, they have entrenched their presence in the zone, escalating attacks and violence against civilians and armed forces alike. In 2025, jihadist violence in the border zone spiked in comparison to the years before. "The borderlands form a connected conflict zone, although with distinct dynamics in each country," it was noted on ACLED's website. And in Niger, ISSP claimed to be behind two ambushes of the Nigerien armed forces in December in Goubey and in Birni N’Konni in February.

Source: Ethiopian News February 26, 2026 11:19 UTC