Armed Group Attacks Buses in Niger, Killing 11

Armed men attacked two buses on a main road in northern Niger on Tuesday, killing 11 passengers, local media and sources said.

“The attack on two buses killed at least 11 people and left several others injured,” local television station Tegades TV reported, according to AFP on Wednesday (21 October 2026).

The buses had left the mining town of Arlit on Tuesday morning. They were attacked outside the city of Agadez by gunmen travelling in three vehicles.

“We were on our way to Agadez when we came across bandits who opened fire on us,” one passenger told Tegades TV, showing a wound to his shoulder.

“Many people died,” he said.

He said soldiers escorting the bus convoy exchanged gunfire with the attackers.

An Agadez resident confirmed the attack to AFP.

The vast, arid north of the West African country has largely been spared the jihadist violence affecting its western and south-eastern regions. However, it is a trafficking route for drugs, firearms and migrants, particularly those heading to Europe.

The region is also home to armed groups opposed to the military junta that has governed the country since the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. It has also been hit by violence linked to illegal gold mines, a booming business in the area.