Niger: Nigerien defense forces repel armed attack on oil facilities on Chad border
Nigerien defense forces thwarted an offensive Tuesday targeting strategic installations in the Agadem oil basin, according to a Ministry of Defense statement released Wednesday.
The attack, occurring around 3:30 PM, targeted the CNPC position at Djibeilla, a facility operated by the Chinese petroleum group.
The assailants, identified as belonging to the “Moussa Konai MPLJ nebula,” launched the assault in approximately ten vehicles.
Facing retaliation from Nigerien troops, the armed groups were forced to retreat toward Chad, from where they had initially crossed the border.
Nigerien authorities immediately launched pursuit operations to intercept the fleeing elements.
This rapid response demonstrates the determination of the military’s determination to protect petroleum infrastructure; vital to the national economy—against any destabilization attempts.
The attack highlights the persistent security threat along the Niger-Chad border region, despite joint efforts by both countries to secure their shared spaces.
It also underscores the vulnerability of hydrocarbon exploitation sites in an area where several armed groups continue to operate.
Fayçal BADIE
