Niger: Boko Haram militants kill ten civilians in Diffa region March 26 /update 1

Event

Boko Haram suicide bombers and gunmen carried out simultaneous attacks in N'Guigmi (Diffa region) on Tuesday, March 26, killing at least ten civilians and wounding eight others. Similar Boko Haram attacks targeting civilians are possible in southeastern Niger over the near term.

Context

The Diffa region, which borders Lake Chad, has been one of the most dangerous areas vis-à-vis jihadist attacks in Niger since 2015.

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.).