Niger: Explosive device hits civilian vehicle in Diffa region March 21

Event

A civilian vehicle was struck by an explosive device buried on the road west of Tommour (Diffa region) on Saturday, March 21. At least four people were killed and several others wounded in the blast. According to local officials, the vehicle was transporting students and teachers to Bosso.

Similar attacks are possible in Diffa region 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 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.