The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, has strongly condemned yesterday's attack in Ayorou in the Tillaberi region of South West Niger, in which twelve paramilitary police officers were killed.

OIC Secretary-General, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, deplored the persistent attacks targeting security forces by extremist and terrorist groups, and conveyed his sincere condolences to the families, government and people of Niger Republic over the tragic loss. He expressed the hope that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will soon be identified and brought to justice.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen reiterated full solidarity with Niger in its fight against terrorism, and called on international partners of Niger and countries in the region to support them to swiftly put into operation the G5 Sahel Joint Force in order to combat growing trans-border insecurity and terrorism in the region.