15 Boko Haram fighters killed, 20 arrested in Niger

Fifteen Boko Haram fighters were killed and 20 others arrested by the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (FDS) during clashes that occurred between June 18 to 23 in Niger’s Diffa region near the Nigerian border.

An official source said Wednesday that following the attack carried out on June 17 in Niger’s Gueskerou commune by the Islamist sect, killing 38 civilians, FDS launched ground and air operations in the area.

The spokesman for Niger’s Defense Ministry, Moustapha Ledru, said 15 terrorists had been killed, 20 others arrested, one armoured vehicle recovered and 20 motorcycles destroyed during the operation.

No injuries were reported on the part of the army, the statement by the defense ministry’s spokesman said.

The statement quoted Niger’s National Defense Minister, Karidjo Mahamadou, as hailing the FDS for the brilliant operation against the terrorists and encouraged them to continue with the fight to restore peace and security.

For over three months, Niger, just like other countries in the Lake Chad Basin, has come under deadly attacks from Boko Haram, leaving tens of civilians and soldiers dead.

Nigerien and Chadian forces are currently engaged in a large scale operation against Boko Haram sect to secure Lake Chad basin and stop further attacks in Nigerien regions of Diffa and Bosso.