Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) is an al-Qaeda-aligned coalition of jihadist movements from the Mali War, consisting of Ansar Dine, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Katiba Macina, and militants from other groups.

However, in October 2016 the newly established Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) began exerting influence in Niger and attacking Nigerien forces.

[5][6] In their statement claiming responsibility, JNIM stated they wanted to punish Niger for their "atrocities" in Mali and for Nigerien involvement with French forces of Operation Barkhane.

[7][8] A Nigerien government document obtained by RFI accused Bohada Ag Hamzata, head of security for Mali's Kidal Region, of participating in the attack and allegedly being seriously injured.

[7][9] Local sources reporting to RFI, AFP, and Xinhua stated five to six Nigerien soldiers were killed, two to three were injured, and the JNIM militants seized four vehicles.