Militants linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State are intensifying attacks along the borderlands of Niger, Benin, and Nigeria, turning remote transit corridors into active conflict zones, according to a crisis monitoring group.
The findings underscore the growing reach of extremist factions across West Africa, where governments and foreign forces have struggled to contain their expansion for over a decade.
The report reveals that fighters have deepened their presence in Benin’s Alibori and Borgou departments, Niger’s Dosso region, and Nigeria’s Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states. Their operations now show “continued spread, growing lethality, and rising risks to civilians.”
The Nigerian military, along with the governments of Niger and Benin, did not respond to requests for comment.
These groups—many operating under al Qaeda-linked JNIM or the Islamic State in the Sahel Province—exploit sparse governance and porous borders to evade security forces and expand control. Regional coordination has weakened since military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, hampering joint efforts. Analysts warn that increased communication among factions in the tri-border zone may signal rivalry, likely fueling further escalation.
