22 Dead, Including 17 Soldiers, After Two Buses Collide in Niger

At least 22 people, including 17 soldiers, died in a devastating head-on collision between two buses in southern Niger on Friday night. The Ministry of Transportation confirmed the fatalities on Saturday, reporting that the crash occurred approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the city of Madaoua.

In addition to the deaths, 37 individuals sustained injuries in the collision. Official state news agency ANP initially reported that one of the buses was carrying military personnel. An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched by the relevant authorities.

This tragic event unfolds while Niger's government is actively running a campaign to enhance public awareness regarding the dangers of road accidents. The nation, situated in the Sahel region, experiences a high frequency of road traffic incidents on its extensive road network.

According to Niger's Road Safety Agency, the country recorded over 7,000 road accidents in 2025, resulting in more than 1,200 deaths and over 4,400 serious injuries. Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and poor road and vehicle conditions are consistently identified as the primary causes of these accidents.