Niger: US Embassy warning due to kidnapping threat

Event

On Monday, September 18, the US Embassy in Niger informed its citizens that terrorist groups operating in the region, including Boko Haram, may target Western citizens for kidnapping in the Diffa region. Due to this abduction risk, as well as generally poor security conditions in the country, the US Embassy advises its citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance while in Niger.

Context

Niger faces a high threat from terrorism, including armed attacks and abductions. Militant Islamist cells from various Nigerian and Malian terrorist groups - including Boko Haram as well as Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and Al-Mourabitoun - are all active in the country.

Advice

Visitors throughout Niger should exercise vigilance when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted by an attack (government buildings, prominent hotels, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to areas located in the north and west of the country, as well as areas along the Nigerian border to the south, due to the high risk of terrorist activity.