Chad: Boko Haram militants kill five villagers near Lake Chad Nov 16

Event

Suspected members of Boko Haram reportedly killed five civilians in the Lake Chad area, likely on Saturday, November 16, though the exact date remains unclear. Two of the victims were violently killed, while three others were shot dead.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area in the near term. 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.