At least 22 people died and 37 others suffered injuries when two buses collided head-on in southern Niger on Friday, official media reported.
The Niger News Agency reported the casualties on Saturday, citing an official statement from the Ministry of Transport.
The crash occurred on the road axis between Maradi and Madaoua. The Ministry of Transport confirmed in its statement that the two vehicles struck each other head-on.
Seventeen of those killed were soldiers, according to details provided by the Niger News Agency. The agency reported that the soldiers were traveling on one of the buses at the end of their training.
Investigation and road safety
Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the exact causes of the deadly collision, the news agency added.
The crash occurred during a major public awareness campaign launched by government authorities to combat traffic accidents, which have grown increasingly frequent across the Sahel country.
More than 7,000 traffic accidents were recorded across Niger in 2025, according to a report from the Niger Road Safety Agency. Those accidents resulted in more than 1,200 deaths and left more than 4,400 people seriously injured.
The road safety agency listed excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol, and the poor condition of vehicles and roads as the main causes of accidents in the country.
The government awareness campaign has been underway since 2025. It includes breathalyzer testing for drivers and the installation of speed limiting devices on vehicles.
