Nigeria: At least 31 soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack in Borno August 30 /update 1

Event

At least 31 soldiers were killed and 19 more wounded in a Boko Haram attack in Borno state on Thursday, August 30, according to military sources. Following an hour-long gunfight, Boko Haram militants stormed a military base in Zari, near the Niger border, and looted weapons and military equipment. The military responded with airstrikes and aerial support, prompting the militants to flee. An official military statement confirmed the attack but made no comment on casualties.

Context

The northeastern region of Nigeria (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa) is highly susceptible to attacks by Boko Haram. This is the second such attack in August; on August 8, Boko Haram militants attacked a nearby base in Garunda, killing 17 soldiers. While Nigerian military forces have pushed insurgents from much of their previously claimed territory over the past year, attacks by the group have been on the rise since June 2017.

Advice

The security environment in Nigeria remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.