Episode Details

Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda and ISIS are escalating attacks in the tri-border region of Niger, Benin, and Nigeria, with a 90% increase in violent incidents and over one thousand deaths in 2025. These groups are expanding into Benins Alibori and Borgou areas, Nigers Dosso region, and several Nigerian states, conducting deadlier strikes and posing greater threats to civilians. Despite decade-long efforts by West African governments, militants continue to spread across vast forests and weak border zones. The US has intervened with air strikes and training local forces, but regional cooperation has weakened due to military-led governments pulling out of joint security groups. Porous borders and thin government control provide militants with ample space to grow, transforming remote paths into battlegrounds and increasing risks for nearby populations.

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