The Nigerien government has confirmed the deaths of 21 civilians in a terrorist attack in the Tillabéry region, western Niger.

The incident took place last Thursday when armed assailants ambushed a public transport vehicle, leaving no survivors. Tillabéry, a hotspot for extremist activity, has witnessed escalating violence in recent months.

Authorities have pledged to intensify security measures in the region to prevent further attacks as investigations into the tragedy continue.