Niger: Gunmen ambush military convoy in Agadez region Feb. 17

Event

Gunmen ambushed a military convoy between the towns of Agadez and Dirkou (Agadez region) on Monday, February 17. According to local sources, a military officer and his driver were killed in the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the ambush. Further such attacks are possible in Agadez region in the coming days.

Context

Niger faces a high threat from terrorism, including armed attacks and abductions. Boko Haram and affiliated groups maintain the ability to conduct attacks in the Lake Chad region despite ongoing military operations in the area. The Diffa region has been under a state of emergency since February 2015, which has been extended by the government several times.

Advice

Individuals in 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.