The body of a top gendarmerie officer remains adrift on the Niger River more than a day after a brutal ambush in Say.
The attack at dusk: a mission turned deadly
In the late afternoon of April 8, 2026, Captain Maman Ada Sahabi, commander of the gendarmerie unit in Say, was killed along with at least two other soldiers in a coordinated ambush carried out by militants from the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The assault occurred on the Niger River, in a high-risk area between the Tillabéri and Dosso regions. The officers were conducting a routine intelligence verification patrol when their boat came under heavy fire from the riverbanks during Say’s weekly market day.
Casualties and ongoing risks
The attack left at least three gendarmes dead, including Captain Sahabi, whose body remains on the drifting vessel. Two other soldiers were swept away by the current after being shot. As of now, the boat continues to float downstream, with security forces hesitant to approach due to concerns over improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or a potential second ambush.
A seasoned leader and local protector
Captain Sahabi, in his early 40s, had led the Say gendarmerie unit for over five years. Known for his deep involvement in counterterrorism operations, he was a key figure in the fight against armed groups in the volatile Liptako-Gourma region. His death comes amid a sharp rise in attacks on both river and land patrols in Tillabéri, a long-standing hotspot for JNIM and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahel (EIGS).
Public outrage over the mishandling of the officer’s remains
What has sparked widespread anger is not just the ambush itself, but the apparent abandonment of the captain’s body for over 24 hours. The lack of clear orders from higher command has prevented any recovery efforts, a situation that has left both security personnel and local residents in Say stunned.
A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration: “How can the body of our commander be left to drift on the river like this? It’s a total lack of respect for those who risk their lives every day.”
To many, this incident symbolizes a leadership that struggles to uphold its duty to honor fallen soldiers—a criticism that has grown louder since the July 26, 2023, coup d’état.
The unanswered question: what price does Niger place on its soldiers’ lives?
This tragedy reignites debates about the value placed on the sacrifices of Niger’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) under the current military leadership led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. Despite frequent official statements claiming victories over terrorist groups, the reality in high-risk zones like Tillabéri, Tahoua, and Dosso tells a different story. Persistent river ambushes highlight the jihadists’ adaptability, exploiting porous borders and the Niger River’s mobility to launch deadly strikes.
Families of fallen soldiers, survivors, and residents in the most exposed areas voice growing disillusionment: lofty declarations of sovereignty contrasted with the harsh reality of chronic insecurity and sometimes chaotic operational management.
