In a shocking display of the jihadist insurgency's grip on western Niger, a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) reveals that Islamist militants have "summarily executed" a staggering 127 civilians in a series of brutal attacks since March.

The violence, which has primarily targeted the Tillabéri region bordering Burkina Faso and Mali, has dealt a major blow to the credibility of Niger's military junta. The regime, which seized power in a 2023 coup, had vowed to curb the insurgency, but has so far failed to stem the tide of bloodshed.

According to HRW, the jihadists' campaign of terror has included a horrific mass murder at a mosque in June, where more than 70 worshippers were gunned down during prayers. "There were bodies everywhere, one on top of the other," a local woman, who lost three of her sons in the attack, told the rights group.

The jihadists have also destroyed schools and religious sites, and imposed severe restrictions on the freedoms of the people, all in the name of their twisted interpretation of Islam. The Islamic State (IS) group is believed to be behind the majority of the attacks, with eyewitnesses identifying the militants by their distinctive red-banded turbans.

"Islamist armed groups are targeting the civilian population in western Niger and committing horrific abuses," said Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior researcher at HRW. "Nigerien authorities need to do more to protect people living in the Tillabéri region."

The military junta, which has turned away from the West and sought closer ties with Russia and Turkey, has yet to comment on the HRW report. But the relentless violence has put immense pressure on the regime to devise more effective strategies to tackle the jihadist threat.

As the people of Niger continue to live in fear, the international community must take note of this devastating human rights crisis and provide the necessary support and resources to aid the country in its fight against the jihadist scourge.