US supports Nigeria with weapons
A deadly new epicenter of violence is emerging in West Africa, as militants linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State dramatically escalate attacks along the remote borderlands where Niger, Benin, and Nigeria converge. New research from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) reveals that incidents in this tri-border area skyrocketed by 90% between 2024 and 2025, with deaths more than doubling to surpass 1,000. The groups are exploiting porous borders and weak state control to deepen their presence, turning once-quiet transit corridors into active conflict zones. This surge reflects a broader, alarming trend of jihadist expansion beyond traditional hotspots, further destabilizing a region already rocked by military coups. As factions compete for dominance, analysts warn that the rivalry will likely fuel even greater violence, putting countless civilian lives at risk.
Reuters