Deadly Bus Collision in Niger Kills 22, Including 17 Soldiers

Madaoua, Niger – A devastating head-on collision between two buses in southern Niger claimed the lives of at least 22 people, including 17 soldiers, the nation's transport ministry announced on Saturday. The tragic accident occurred Friday night near the town of Madaoua, roughly 50 kilometers away.

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At least 22 people have died, 17 of them soldiers, after two buses crashed into each other in southern Niger.

In addition to the fatalities, the crash left 37 other individuals injured. The ministry confirmed that one of the buses was carrying soldiers. An investigation into the cause of the collision has been launched by authorities.

This latest incident highlights the persistent danger of road travel in Niger, a vast Sahel nation where accidents are alarmingly common. The government has been campaigning to raise awareness about road safety, but the challenges remain significant.

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Another 37 people were injured in the accident.

According to the Nigerien Agency for Road Safety, the country recorded over 7,000 road accidents in 2025. These incidents resulted in more than 1,200 deaths and left over 4,400 people with serious injuries. Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and the generally poor condition of both roads and vehicles are cited as the primary causes behind these frequent and often deadly crashes.

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In 2025, Niger recorded more than 7,000 road accidents which killed over 1,200 people and left more than 4,400 with serious injuries.