02 Jan 2020 | 02:22 PM UTC
Niger: One killed in police station attack in Gourma December 28
A policeman was shot dead in an attack on a police station in Gourma December 28; similar attacks possible in near term
Event
A policeman was killed when attackers assaulted a local police station in Gourma at around 22:00 (local time) Saturday, December 28. Gourma is located 160 km (100 mi) west of Niamey. The unidentified attackers escaped towards the Burkinabe borders with motorcycles stolen from the police station.
Similar attacks remain possible over the near term.
Context
Niger faces a high threat from terrorism, including armed attacks and abductions. Militant Islamist cells from various Nigerian and Malian terrorist groups - including Boko Haram, Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and Al-Mourabitoun - are all active in the country.
Advice
Individuals throughout 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. Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to areas located in the north and west of the country, including areas along the border with Burkina Faso, as well as areas along the Nigerian border to the south, due to the high risk of terrorist activity.
