Niger: Suicide attack kills four people near Bosso (Diffa region) Feb. 17

Event

Two women reportedly carried out a suicide bombing attack near a refugee camp north of Bosso (Diffa region) on Sunday, February 17, killing at least four people. Security forces are reportedly on high alert in the area following the assault. Unconfirmed media reports claim that Boko Haram is responsible for the attack. Similar incidents are possible in Diffa region over the near term.

Context

Niger faces a high threat from terrorism, including armed attacks and abductions. Boko Haram and affiliated groups maintain the ability to conduct attacks in the Lake Chad region despite ongoing military operations in the area. The Diffa region has been under a state of emergency since February 2015, which has been extended by the government several times.

Advice

Individuals in 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.