Kokorou Mosque Attack (2025)

The Kokorou Mosque Attack was an armed assault on a mosque in the Fonbita neighborhood of the village of Kokorou, in the Tillabéri region of Niger, on 21 March 2025. During the attack, civilians gathered for prayer were targeted, resulting in at least 44 people killed and 13 injured. Authorities have stated that the attack was carried out by a group linked to ISIS.

_{Kokorou Mosque Attack, 21 March 2025 – Anadolu Agency}

The attack occurred on 21 March 2025 during midday in Kokorou, located in the Tillabéri region of southwestern Niger near the border with Burkina Faso. It was carried out against civilians gathered inside the mosque for a Ramadan prayer. According to an official statement broadcast on television, the attackers surrounded the mosque and carried out a mass killing.

According to a statement by Niger’s Minister of the Interior, Mohamed Toumba, at least 44 people lost their lives and 13 others were injured in the attack. Four of the injured were reported to be in critical condition. Medical assistance was provided to the wounded at local health centers.

The attack is alleged to have been carried out by the group “Islamic State in the Greater Sahara” (ISGS), which is linked to ISIS. This group is known to conduct systematic attacks against villages, civilians and security forces in the region. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Nevertheless, Niger’s Ministries of Defense and the Interior have confirmed that the attack was conducted by ISIS.

On 22 March 2025, following the attack, the Nigerien government declared a three-day national mourning period. Flags were lowered to half-mast and public events were postponed. Authorities stated that those responsible for the attack would be identified and brought to justice.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye issued a statement on 22 March 2025 condemning the attack and extending condolences to the people of Niger. Türkiye expressed its sympathy to the injured and offered condolences to the families of those killed in the attack.