Nigeria: Suspected ISWAP militant activity reported in Borno Nov. 2-3

Event

Suspected Islamic State-West Africa Province (ISWAP) activity has been reported in Borno State Nov. 2-3. Insurgents dressed as regular soldiers ambushed a civilian convoy along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway near Ngamdu in the Kaga Local Government Area (LGA) at around 15:00 Nov. 2, kidnapping an unverified number of travelers. No ransom demand has been reported; however, reports suggest that kidnappers released some of the victims. Separately, armed assailants attacked Malam Fatori in the Abadam LGA Nov. 3, killing at least two police officers and one soldier. No group has claimed responsibility, though ISWAP militants are likely behind the attack.

Malam Fatori is located 3 km (2 miles) south of the border with Niger while Ngamdu is located about 95 km (60 miles) west of Maiduguri.

Context

Northeast Nigeria is highly susceptible to attacks and kidnappings by Islamist groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram. Militants will continue to pose a significant threat to security in the border areas with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, with regular attacks on civilian settlements and security forces positions almost certain to continue.