Niger Republic Begins Registration Of Guns Owned By Civilians

Niger has started the registration of guns owned by civilians.

The exercise, conducted by the internal affairs ministry, aims to document all small fire arms.

The measure comes in the wake of renewed attacks by armed militia in parts of the country.

On Monday night, unknown gunmen attacked two villages in Madarumfa area of Maradi in the south of the West African nation.

They reportedly carted off at least 250 animals. Cattle rustling and abductions for ransom are increasing in that area.

On Sunday, five soldiers were killed by unknown gunmen near Agadez, which lies on the edge of the Sahara desert.

The soldiers were ambushed while providing security to gold miners travelling through the area. The armed assailants mingled with the convoy before opening fire on the military escorts and escaping with the gold.