In a deadly Islamic terror attack in Niger’s conflict-ridden Dosso region, two Indian nationals were killed and another abducted by gunmen on July 15. The assault occurred in southwest Niger, roughly 130 kilometres from the capital Niamey, and is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting foreign workers in the region.
The Indian Embassy in Niger confirmed the deaths and the abduction in a statement issued on X on Friday. “In a heinous terror attack on July 15 in Niger’s Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” the statement read. The embassy added that it is working closely with Nigerien authorities to repatriate the bodies and secure the safe release of the kidnapped individual. It also advised all Indian nationals in Niger to exercise extreme caution.
According to local reports, the terrorists opened fire on a Nigerien military unit stationed at the worksite, resulting in six fatalities, including the two Indian victims. The attackers then abducted another Indian worker before fleeing the scene. This site was reportedly guarded by the army, underlining the increasingly dangerous conditions in the region.
In a heinous terrorist attack on 15 July in Niger, one Indian national was killed, another abducted and a third remains unaccounted for. Embassy is in contact with all concerned and extending all assistance in early repatriation of mortal remains and early release of abductee. pic.twitter.com/n8TtPqlzpR
— India in Niger (@IndiainNiger) July 17, 2025
This incident underscores the deteriorating security environment in Niger, especially since the military coup in July 2023, which ousted the civilian government and plunged the country into further instability. The region has been plagued by Islamist insurgencies, with groups affiliated to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State intensifying their operations, particularly in rural and border areas.
Niger is currently grappling with insurgencies on two fronts. In the southwest, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, terror groups such as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Nusrat al-Islam have carried out frequent and deadly attacks. Meanwhile, in the southeast, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) maintains a violent presence, controlling several areas and engaging in regular confrontations with state forces.
Foreign nationals have increasingly become targets in the country’s expanding conflict. In recent months, armed groups have kidnapped multiple foreigners, including a long-term Austrian aid worker, a Swiss national abducted from her residence in April, and five Indian workers also taken earlier this year. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that June 2025 was among the deadliest months for civilians in Niger, with more than 100 people killed in mass atrocities carried out by Islamic State-linked fighters across the Tillaberi and Dosso regions.
The rising tide of terror and lawlessness has raised alarm among international observers and humanitarian organisations, many of whom are struggling to maintain operations amid worsening conditions. As of now, no group has formally claimed responsibility for the July 15 attack, but the modus operandi suggests involvement of jihadist networks active in the region.
