Boko Haram attacks in Niger: 109 attackers and four elements of the Defence and Security Forces killed

Niamey- Some 109 members of the armed group Boko Haram were killed Friday during simultaneous attacks by the Nigerian armed group in Bosso and Diffa in southeastern Niger, the Nigerian border, said official sources in Niamey.

During these attacks, the first of its kind in Niger, four elements of the Defence Forces and security and a civilian were killed, while two soldiers were missing, said a statement of the Nigerian government, read on national TV Minister of National Defence Karidjo Mahamadou.

“A Bosso, Niger Armed Forces (FAN), supported by Chadian troops neutralized the attackers who managed to infiltrate the city,” said the statement, relayed by the Nigerian News Agency (PNA), adding that “Defence Forces and Nigerian Security (SDS) have blocked the progress of the terrorists at the pond Kogi. They pushed them, inflicting heavy losses.”

The provisional overall assessment of the attacks reported two gendarmes, a military and National Guard killed in Bosso, FDS side, as well as four national guards, six soldiers and three policemen were injured, while two soldiers are missing and killed a civilian.

A Diffa, a police officer, two soldiers and a policeman were injured, yet the statement which emphasizes that “enemy side, 109 attackers were killed and search operations are underway.” According to the Nigerian Minister of Defense, “calm has returned in the two localities and the situation is under control.”

This week, the Nigerian government had seized the National Assembly so that it gives the green light for military intervention against Boko Haram. Parliament is scheduled to meet Monday morning.