As a result of improvised explosive devices and kamikaze vehicles, hundreds of jihadists killed the soldiers.

The counter-offensive near the Mali border also killed “several dozen terrorists.”

Since the military took power, jihadist attacks on the army have increased.

As the security situation deteriorated, coup leaders overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum’s government.

Due to pressure from the junta, France is withdrawing its 1,500 troops from Niger before year’s end.

As a result of Monday night’s attack in western Tahoua, Niger’s military declared a three-day national mourning period.

When troops came under attack, they were battling al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group, according to the ministry.

During the withdrawal of the terrorists, communications have been intercepted, it said.

According to the ministry, the attackers “benefited from outside expertise”.

After soldiers were recalled to guard the coup leaders in Niamey, the recent uptick in jihadist attacks in Niger has been linked to a security vacuum.

Hundreds of militants riding motorbikes killed 12 soldiers in south-western Niger last Thursday.

A second attack near the Burkinabe border killed 17 soldiers last month.

In neighbouring Mali, jihadist and rebel violence has surged since French troops left and the UN force wound down operations at the junta’s request.

In order to fight the jihadists, Mali now relies on the Russian mercenary group Wagner.

Military leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a security pact last month, pledging to cooperate to fight militants.