Niger Seizes Large Cache of Weapons in Diffa Region

The Niger National Guard announced on November 15, 2026, that they had seized a large cache of weapons in the Diffa region, a area that has been plagued by Boko Haram and other armed groups for several years. The seizure was made on November 12, 2026, in the Bonigrat sector of the N'Guigmi department, as part of Operation "Nalewa Dole". The cache included 12 RPG-7 rocket launchers, 11 rockets, and a large quantity of ammunition.

According to the Niger National Guard, the seizure was made possible by local intelligence and a patrol in the N'Gortogol and Bonigrat sectors. The patrol led to the discovery of a hidden cache of weapons in a vegetation area. The arsenal was presented to the governor of Diffa, along with administrative and military authorities in the region. This seizure is a significant blow to Boko Haram, which has been active in the region for several years.

The Diffa region has been a major theater in the fight against armed groups in the Lake Chad Basin. Niger has been working to combat Boko Haram and other groups in the region, including through Operation "Nalewa Dole". In September 2026, Niger's Defense and Security Forces (FDS) arrested two suspected Boko Haram members, two lookouts, and three people suspected of involvement in the placement of improvised explosive devices.

The FDS have been conducting operations against armed groups in the region, including in March 2026, when they seized over 47,000 cartridges, several weapons, rockets, and four vehicles in N'Guigmi and the Agadem oil block. These operations have been aimed at disrupting the activities of Boko Haram and other groups, which have been responsible for attacks and kidnappings in the region.

The Niger National Guard's seizure of the arsenal is a significant development in the fight against Boko Haram. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings in the region, including an incursion in Kablewa in April 2025, in which eight civilians were kidnapped. The Niger National Guard's operation demonstrates the country's commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional security.

The Lake Chad Basin region has been a major hub for armed groups, including Boko Haram, which has been responsible for widespread violence and instability. Niger's efforts to combat these groups have been supported by regional and international partners, including through the Multinational Joint Force (FMM), which was established in 2015 to combat Boko Haram.

The seizure of the arsenal is a significant achievement for Niger's National Guard and demonstrates the country's commitment to regional security. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and armed groups in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Key points

• The Niger National Guard seized a large cache of weapons in the Diffa region, including 12 RPG-7 rocket launchers and a large quantity of ammunition.