25 Nov 2018 | 01:09 AM UTC
Niger: Boko Haram militants kidnap 15 girls in Diffa region Nov. 23-24
Suspected Boko Haram militants kidnap 15 girls near Toumour (Diffa region) overnight November 23-24; similar abductions possible in the near term
Event
Suspected Boko Haram militants kidnapped 15 girls from a village near Toumour (Diffa region) overnight (local time) from Friday, November 23, into Saturday, November 24. Similar abductions by Boko Haram militants are possible in Diffa region in the near term.
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
Individuals throughout Niger should exercise vigilance when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted by an attack (e.g. government buildings, prominent hotels, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.
As a reminder, many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to areas in the north and west of the country, as well areas along the borders with Burkina Faso and Nigeria, due to the high risk of terrorist activity.
