Niger has declared a state of emergency in several western areas flanking Mali after a spate of deadly attacks blamed on jihadists from its restive neighbour. A government statement said a state of emergency would be enforced in seven departments of the regions of Tillaberi and Tahoua. It said Security forces would now be granted additional powers including the right to search homes at any time. <br/><br/>The statement said repeated attacks in these areas have endangered the security of the peaceful population and public order.<br/><br/>Niger shares its southern border with Nigeria which has been struggling witha bloody seven-year uprising by the Boko Haram extremist group that has so far claimed more than 20,000 lives.