Chad: Alleged poisoning incident leaves scores of suspected Boko Haram militants dead in N'Djamena detention center April 19

Event

On Sunday, April 19, an alleged poisoning incident left 44 suspected Boko Haram militants dead in a detention center in N'Djamena. The militants were part of a larger group of 58 suspects who had recently been captured by Chadian security forces during an operation against Boko Haram fighters around Lake Chad. An investigation has been opened into the incident.

Retaliatory Boko Haram militant attacks are possible in Chad over the near term.

Context

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts targeting Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - have greatly diminished the group's territorial control since 2015, its members continue 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 are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, limit time in areas deemed likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.