Niger: US Embassy issues security alert January 16

Event

The US Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert on Thursday, January 16, warning Nigerien nationals and Westerners about ''potential threats against Nigerien and western government buildings and locations frequented by westerners'' after unexploded rockets were reportedly discovered on Tuesday, January 14, near the village of Kongou Gorou, located on the outskirts of the capital.

A heightened security presence is possible across Niamey over the coming days.

Context

Niger faces a high threat from terrorism, including armed attacks and abductions. Militant Islamist cells from various Nigerian and Malian terrorist groups 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.