NIAMEY, Niger, Feb 27, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Two attacks by "armed bandits" in southwestern Niger have killed 16 people, according to state radio.

While the perpetrators have not been identified, the attacks were similar to jihadist raids that have plagued the central Sahel region in recent months.

State radio said Wednesday that the bandits gathered people from a village in Dioundiou on the night of February 22-23 and "opened fire, killing 14 people".

Two nights later, attackers killed two people in a neighbouring town.

The area around Dioundiou, which borders Nigeria and Benin, is a haven for jihadist groups, according to Niger authorities.

It is crossed by a 2,000-kilometre (around 1,200-mile) pipeline that transports Niger oil to Benin.