23 Mar 2019 | 12:42 PM UTC
Niger: Boko Haram kills eight civilians in Karidi (Diffa region) March 21
Boko Haram kills eight civilians in Karidi (Gueskerou district, Diffa region) March 21; similar Boko Haram attacks targeting civilians and increased security operations possible in Diffa region over the near term
Event
Boko Haram militants killed eight civilians in Karidi (Gueskerou district, Diffa region) on Thursday, March 21. The attack was reportedly carried out late in the evening (local time) and also left several wounded. Similar Boko Haram attacks targeting civilians and increased security operations are possible in Diffa region in the near term.
Context
Diffa region, which borders Lake Chad, is one of the most dangerous areas vis-à-vis jihadist attacks in Niger.
Although the regional counterinsurgency effort against Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - has greatly diminished the extent of their effective territorial control, the group continues to routinely carry out deadly terrorist attacks. Boko Haram's stronghold is in northeastern Nigeria, where the majority of its activities are concentrated.
Advice
Individuals in Niger are advised to monitor related developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (crowded markets, etc.).
