A civilian-led security group in Niger, the Union of Nigeriens for Vigilance and Patriotism (UNVP), says it has successfully pushed back a group of armed bandits operating near the Libyan border, in a volatile stretch of desert between Tagharaba and the commune of Djado.
The announcement was made by UNVP’s national president, Amoumoun Kalakoua, who confirmed that the operation involved direct clashes with the gunmen, who are known to be active in this remote transborder zone.
According to Kalakoua, the attackers fled across the border after a firefight with UNVP members.
The group presented the results of the operation to local authorities in Iférouane on 28 July. Among the items reportedly seized during the mission were an RPG-7, a rifle with eleven rounds of ammunition, several magazines, four Android smartphones, and a number of identity documents.
Photographs and video footage showing the confiscated equipment were shared during the presentation.
Speaking at the event, the Prefect of Iférouane, Commander Assane Amadou, described the incident as “a fruitful sweep operation” and confirmed that UNVP members had been acting on intelligence regarding “three armed individuals” seen in the Tabarakat area, suspected of committing abuses against local gold miners.
“These bandits were heavily armed with collective weapons, including anti-tank RPG-7s,” Amadou stated. “There was an exchange of gunfire. Feeling threatened, they fled the scene.”
According to the prefect, the assailants were “caught by surprise while stationary” and left behind their weapons and equipment in their hurried retreat.
The UNVP, composed largely of former fighters — including veterans of past rebellions — has played an increasingly visible role in security operations across Niger’s Sahara and Sahel regions since the July 2023 coup.
The movement claims to act in support of national forces through surveillance, intelligence gathering, and tactical intervention.
“They have brought back weapons, recovered lost youths, and helped combat bandits,” Amadou added, commending the group’s continued collaboration with local authorities.
“I urge them to continue on this path because there can be no development without security.”
Despite the success of this operation, Kalakoua issued a warning: “Our adversaries are better equipped than we are.” He called for increased support for the group’s security initiatives, emphasizing the challenges they face in securing one of the most inhospitable and lawless regions in the country.
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