The border region linking Nigeria, Benin, and Niger emerged as a significant site of jihadist violence in 2025, with a notable surge in attacks recorded, as revealed in a study released on Thursday.
Reports indicate that violence linked to the Al-Qaeda-associated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) intensified by 86 percent compared to previous year.
According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) organization, fatalities rose by 26 percent during this period.
Historically, JNIM and EIS have predominantly operated within the Sahel nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger; however, there is an evident expansion towards coastal nations in West Africa.
“Data from ACLED suggests that this expansion has transitioned into a new phase characterized by the solidification of violent activities in coastal border areas,” explained Heni Nsaibia, a senior analyst focused on West Africa.
He further emphasized, “Jihadist militants from the Sahel have intensified, consolidated, and are increasingly making their presence known.”
The uptick in violence has predominantly been observed in northern Benin’s Alibori and Borgou regions, as well as the Dosso area of southern Niger, and the Nigerian states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara.
Cross-border assaults by jihadists from Niger and Burkina Faso culminated in what was described as “the deadliest year yet” in Benin, as per the study’s findings.
In Niger, JNIM and EIS undertook operations that reached the outskirts of the capital, Niamey, including an incident at the international airport in January.
Notably, JNIM claimed responsibility for an attack on Nigerian territory for the first time last year, according to Nsaibia.
He attributed the surge in violence to a “limited state presence” and diminishing regional cooperation, especially following the exits of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the ECOWAS West African bloc.
Additionally, the forest reserves and national parks that span the borders of these countries provide cover for these groups, enabling them to evade military operations.
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