Chad: Suspected Boko Haram militants kidnap three in Lake Chad October 30

Event

Suspected members of Boko Haram kidnapped three Ministry of Health employees between Ngouboua and Tchoukoutalia (Lake Chad) on Wednesday, October 30. As of Thursday, October 31, the victims' whereabouts remain unknown.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area. Similar Boko Haram attacks are possible in Lake Chad over the near term.

Context

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 Chad, especially in the Lake Chad area, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.), and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.