ACLED report warns of expanding militant activity across West Africa
New data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that jihadist groups, including Al-Qaeda and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), have expanded operations in the border region between Nigeria, Niger and Benin, turning it into a growing flashpoint of violence.
According to ACLED’s latest report, jihadist violence in the tri-border area spiked sharply in 2025 compared to previous years. The organisation describes the borderlands as a “connected conflict zone,” though dynamics vary by country.
In northwestern Nigeria — particularly Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states — violent events rose by 86%. Benin has faced irregular but deadly cross-border raids, while in Niger, the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) claimed responsibility for ambushes on national armed forces in Goubey and Birni N’Konni.
Other active groups in the region include Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Regional governments have struggled to contain the escalating violence. The United States Armed Forces recently carried out airstrikes on alleged ISSP camps in Nigeria, criticising authorities for failing to curb attacks targeting Christian civilians.
SOURCE: AFRICA NEWS
