The Nigerian army announced on Sunday that it had killed Abdoulaye Souleymane Idouwal, a key member of the Islamic State group, during a military raid in the Tillabéri region.

This area, part of the “three borders” zone between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, has been plagued by jihadist attacks for years despite significant security force deployments.

The army reported that nine terrorists were killed and 31 arrested during an anti-jihadist operation in the region. The operation also resulted in the destruction of the attackers’ means of movement and communication.

Civilians in Tillabéri frequently suffer from jihadist attacks, causing large-scale displacement. Niger, currently governed by military leaders following a July coup, is also fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP jihadists in other areas.