The militias of the Patriotic Movement for Freedom and Justice (MPLJ), a rebel faction opposed to the military junta currently controlling Niger, have reported the death of 15 members of the security forces in an offensive carried out in the central-eastern area of the country. For the moment, there is no official verification of these figures by the Nigerien authorities.
In a statement disseminated by the organization, the leader of the armed group, Moussa Kounai, details that the action took place in the locality of Séguédine and that the target was a camp of the National Guard of Niger (GNN). At the checkpoint, there were also agents of the national police and members of the Gendarmerie, according to their version.
"The clashes left at least 15 dead and 7 injured among the security forces present in both locations and caused significant material damage, including the theft of vehicles, as well as a large quantity of weapons and ammunition," it announces in the statement.
The text adds that "the MPLJ reaffirms that its struggle is of a political nature and aims to achieve the restoration of a democratic institutional order that respects the rights and freedoms of Nigeriens," insisting on the political component of its insurgency against the junta.
The militias of the MPLJ prioritize the return to power of former President Mohamed Bazum, deposed in July 2023 by the coup led by Abdourahmane Tchiani and held since then, which positions this rebel group as one of the main armed opponents to the military regime established in Niamey.