Takoubatt:  At least 22 people were killed when gunmen on motorbikes attacked a baptism ceremony in Takoubatt, a village in western Niger’s Tillabéri region, on Monday, September 15, 2025. Fifteen victims were killed during the ceremony, while seven others lost their lives as the attackers moved toward the outskirts of the village.

The Tillabéri region, which borders Mali and Burkina Faso, has become a hotspot for extremist activity. Groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have been active in the area, and violence has surged despite the presence of Nigerien security forces. In the week leading up to the attack, around 20 soldiers were reportedly killed in the region.

Human Rights Watch reports that since March 2025, five major attacks in Tillabéri have killed over 127 villagers and worshippers, with many others injured. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) notes that nearly 1,800 people have died in attacks across Niger since October 2024, with the majority occurring in Tillabéri.

The international community has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence. Human Rights Watch has urged Nigerien authorities to implement stronger measures to protect civilians. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the situation, though no specific responses to the September 15 attack have been announced.

The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Niger and the growing threat posed by extremist groups in the Sahel region.