Nigeria: At least 60 killed in Adamawa suicide attack /update 2

Event

Officials have increased security measures in the Mubi area of Adamawa state on Wednesday, May 2, following a double-suicide attack at a mosque. The bombings occurred on Tuesday, May 1, at a mosque, killing over 60 people. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo ordered security forces to heighten measures in the town, particularly at markets and places of worship.

Context

While no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing as of May 2, Boko Haram is suspected of being responsible. The northeastern region of Nigeria is highly susceptible to attacks by Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in March 2015 and formally adopted the name of Islamic State in West Africa. While Nigerian military forces have pushed Boko Haram insurgents from much of their previously-claimed territory over the past year, attacks by the insurgent group have been on the rise since June 2017.

Advice

The security environment in Nigeria is complex, and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.