Analysis & Reports

Saa'd defected from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen to the Islamic State, triggering violent clashes in Burkina Faso. Malian forces neutralized 35 jihadists on February 9, while Nigerien forces arrested 28 suspects involved in arms trafficking. On February 13, 24 Nigerien soldiers were killed in an attack, and JNIM claimed responsibility for the deaths of 50 Burkinabè soldiers. The report highlights escalating violence and military operations in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisTue Feb 24 2026Loading...

Burkina Faso faces an acute security crisis, with the Malian Army neutralizing 35 jihadists on February 9, 2026, and JNIM claiming the deaths of at least 50 Burkinabé soldiers on February 6. The jihadist landscape is fragmenting, highlighted by the defection of JNIM commander Saa'd to the Islamic State on February 11. The situation is exacerbated by increasing violence and government repression under President Ibrahim Traoré, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe.

Marie DuboisTue Feb 24 2026Loading...

The Nigerian government allegedly paid millions to Boko Haram for the release of 230 hostages taken from St. Mary’s School in Papiri on November 21, 2022. Negotiations were led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, despite official denials of ransom payments. The payment, reportedly delivered by helicopter, raises concerns about Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy and its implications for regional security.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

The Sahel region has become the epicenter of global terrorism, with over half of the world's terrorism-related deaths occurring there. Between January and November 2025, 450 attacks resulted in more than 1,900 fatalities, primarily attributed to groups like JNIM and ISWAP. These groups have expanded their operations into coastal states, threatening regional stability and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent funding and coordinated action.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

In February 2026, 100 U.S. troops were deployed to Bauchi, Nigeria, to provide training and advisory support to Nigerian forces in combating terrorism. This mission, confirmed by General Samaila Uba, aims to address threats from groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP. The deployment reflects a strategic partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of Nigerian armed forces.

Marie DuboisSun Feb 22 2026Loading...

The Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) launched a coordinated attack on Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger, in early February 2026, resulting in approximately 20 attackers killed and 11 captured. The operation showcased advanced capabilities, including the use of drones and explosives, and indicated transnational coordination with ISWAP militants. Following this, the ISSP claimed responsibility for further attacks in Niger and Mali, highlighting a sustained operational tempo.

Marie DuboisSun Feb 22 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is expanding its operational pressure beyond its traditional strongholds in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as of January 2026. The group is demonstrating resilience and a deliberate strategy of gradual expansion, while facing challenges in establishing a durable presence in coastal countries like Benin and Togo. The CEDEAO plans to deploy 1,650 personnel in 2026 to counter the jihadist threat, amidst significant political shifts in the region.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 21 2026Loading...

In February 2026, the Islamic State targeted Niger's main airport and a military base, marking a significant escalation in jihadist violence. A coordinated ambush by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) resulted in the deaths of at least 36 Nigerien soldiers. The deteriorating security situation is exacerbated by the withdrawal of international forces and the increasing sophistication of terrorist tactics.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 21 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted coordinated attacks on military positions and civilian targets in Burkina Faso from February 14 to 19, 2026. The assault on the Titao military base involved hundreds of fighters and resulted in at least 20 deaths, including Ghanaian traders. This operation marks a significant escalation in the jihadist threat, showcasing advanced tactical coordination and operational capabilities.

Marie DuboisFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted coordinated attacks in Burkina Faso in February 2026, targeting military bases and civilian markets across multiple locations including Bilanga and Titao. These operations resulted in over 180 fatalities, including soldiers and civilians, and involved hundreds of fighters, indicating a significant escalation in jihadist activities. The attacks demonstrate JNIM's enhanced operational capabilities and strategic intent to undermine state authority and disrupt local economies.

Marie DuboisFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The Alliance of Sahel States announced the formation of a joint military force of 5,000 soldiers in January 2025 to conduct counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region. This development comes amid rising attacks on military and civilian targets, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures. Concurrently, Terra Industries is advancing its autonomous defense systems to support regional stability.

Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

ISWAP launched a coordinated attack on the military base in Cross Kauwa, Nigeria, on February 17, 2023, killing eight soldiers and wounding 23 others. The assault involved approximately 70 fighters and resulted in the destruction of eleven armored vehicles. This operation marks a significant escalation in ISWAP's activities in the region, highlighting their strategic intent to undermine Nigerian military positions.

Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

JNIM conducted three major operations in central Mali between January 29 and February 7, 2026, targeting economic infrastructure and local defense networks. The group ambushed a fuel convoy in Kayes, attacked Dozo militiamen in Kendié, and the Malian Army responded with airstrikes in Ségou, killing 35 militants. These actions indicate a coordinated effort to destabilize the region and disrupt supply lines.

Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted three major operations in Mali between January 29 and February 7, 2026, targeting economic infrastructure and local defense networks. An ambush on a fuel convoy near Kayes resulted in at least 15 deaths, while an attack on Dozo militiamen in Kendié killed five. The Malian army responded with airstrikes, killing 35 militants, but remains on the defensive as JNIM expands its operational reach.

Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Captain Ibrahim Traoré dissolved all political parties in Burkina Faso on January 29, 2026, including those that supported his 2022 coup. This move eliminates potential challengers and creates a political vacuum that may benefit jihadist groups like JNIM. The dissolution is viewed as a significant step in consolidating Traoré's power and undermining civil political structures that could oppose him.

Marie DuboisWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

General Amadou Ibro announced the mobilization of hundreds of young Nigeriens against France during a speech in Niamey on February 11, 2026. He declared preparations for war, following accusations that France sponsored a recent attack on the airport. The junta's rhetoric aims to consolidate power amid internal challenges, leveraging historical grievances against France.

Marie DuboisWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

On February 14, 2023, JNIM launched a coordinated attack on Titao, Burkina Faso, overwhelming a well-equipped military post and targeting civilian traders. Seven Ghanaian traders were killed in the assault, which involved systematic destruction of telecommunications and economic infrastructure. The attack highlights JNIM's operational capabilities and strategic targeting of supply routes in the region.

Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

Saad defected from JNIM to ISIS in February 2026, taking a large number of fighters with him. This event marks the largest transfer of militants from JNIM to ISIS in eastern Burkina Faso, creating significant operational implications in the region. The defection is expected to intensify the ongoing conflict between the two groups, which has already resulted in substantial casualties.

Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

Armed men on motorcycles attacked the villages of Tungan Makeri, Konkoso, and Alissa in Borgu, Nigeria, on February 15, resulting in 46 deaths and numerous kidnappings. The attacks, attributed to groups like Lakurawa and JNIM, highlight the growing insecurity in the region, prompting local leaders to call for military intervention. This incident reflects a concerning trend of jihadist expansion in the area.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 16 2026Loading...

Niger accused France of financing the January 28-29 attack on Niamey airport, claiming that French intelligence agencies supplied mercenaries with weapons since April 2025. The Nigerien Armed Forces reported neutralizing 20 mercenaries and capturing 11 others. This accusation represents a significant diplomatic escalation, with the Russian ambassador supporting Niger's claims, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 16 2026Loading...