Niger: Heightened security likely near Bani Bangou, Tillaberi Region, as of Aug. 12 after gunmen kill 15 people

Event

The Nigerien Interior Ministry confirmed Aug. 11 that unidentified gunmen killed at least 15 people working in a field near Bani Bangou, Tillaberi Region Aug. 9. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security forces are likely to maintain a heightened security posture in the affected area in the near term. Further attacks remain possible.

Bani Bangou is located around 180 km (112 miles) north of Niamey, the capital of Niger, and 32km (20 miles) south of the Malian border.

Context

Militants killed 33 people during two previous attacks near Bani Bangou in late July. While armed bandits and militants usually operate across southern Niger, notably around the Lake Chad region and the so-called tri-border area (Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali), northern Niger is usually less prone to such incidents. Similar attacks have nonetheless occurred in the past, including in recent days, and have been attributed to armed bandits, smugglers, or militant Islamist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State.

Advice

Exercise increased vigilance if traveling in areas recently affected by violence. Plan accordingly for road travel disruptions and heed the instructions of security officials.