The attackers carried out attacks on the communities of Kokorou and Libiri, but details about the date of the massacre were not released.

Local sources said the attack in Kokorou happened late at night, when people were sleeping, the attacker used a truck to approach and then used a submachine gun and knife to attack.

The attack in Libiri reportedly occurred at noon when people were gathering at the market, the attacker attacked by throwing petrol bombs and shooting into the crowd.

Niger, along with its neighbours in West Africa's Sahel region, Mali and Burkina Faso, have been battling a growing threat from rebel groups since 2012, when al Qaeda-linked militants first overran parts of Mali.

The border area between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso is considered the "triangle of death" because of frequent attacks on civilians and security forces.

Hong Hanh (according to CNBC, gazette, Reuters)