Niger: Boko Haram militants attack in Diffa April 9-10

Event

Boko Haram militants have launched an attack against the town of Diffa on Tuesday, April 9, which was still ongoing as of 11:00 (local time) on Wednesday, April 10. According to media reports, at least one police officer and two jihadist militants were killed in the attack and several other people taken hostages. Details are still emerging. Similar Boko Haram attacks are likely in southeastern Niger in the near term.

Context

The Diffa region, which borders Lake Chad, has been one of the most dangerous areas vis-à-vis jihadist attacks in Niger since 2015.

Although the regional counterinsurgency effort against Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - it has greatly diminished the extent of their effective territorial control as the group continues to routinely carry out deadly terrorist attacks. Boko Haram's stronghold is in northeastern Nigeria, where the majority of the group's activities are concentrated.

Advice

Individuals in Niger are advised to monitor related developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (crowded markets, etc.).