JNIM, formed from a coalition of Al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel
Ghana’s Embassy in Burkina Faso has confirmed that Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an extremist group active in the Sahel region, was behind the Saturday, February 14, 2026, attack on Ghanaian traders at Titao, in the north of the country.
According to a report by graphic.com.gh on February 17, 2026, the embassy said it is working closely with local authorities to identify victims and support survivors of the attack.
The Ministry of the Interior stated that several trucks carrying tomato merchants from Ghana were set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of male traders and drivers, while female traders were reportedly spared.
“Titao has faced repeated armed attacks since 2019, as militant groups continue to destabilise northern Burkina Faso.
“The region remains one of the most volatile zones in the Sahel, with security threats affecting both civilians and cross-border traders,” the report said.
Burkina Faso Terrorist Attack: Death toll of Ghanaian victims rises to 8 – Report
JNIM, formed from a coalition of Al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel, has been responsible for numerous attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, often targeting civilians, aid workers, and traders.
The Ghana embassy is liaising with Burkina Faso officials to visit the attack site and assist with the identification of Ghanaians caught in the assault, according to a statement signed by Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka.
The ministry added that updates on victims and survivors will be provided once information is verified.
Security analyst Dr Adam Bonnah, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission, emphasised that Ghana must maintain heightened alertness at its borders.
“Although Ghana is safe, the recent attack on Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso demands heightened alertness,” he said, noting that counterterrorism requires international cooperation.
MRA/AE
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s exposé on the ‘dark side of Kayamata’ and its devastating impact
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com
