Niger: Security forces repel Boko Haram Attack near Diffa May 3

Event

On Sunday evening (local time), May 3, members of the Defense and Security Forces (SDF) repelled an attempted incursion by suspected Boko Haram militants on the edge of the city of Diffa (Diffa region). The assault was launched on the Douthci bridge, a few kilometers from the city on the border with Nigeria. The SDF reported that one of its soldiers died and others were wounded in the attack but did not confirm militant casualty numbers. Vehicles and military equipment were recovered as the militants fled.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the coming days. Similar incidents are possible in the 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.