Niger: Suspected Boko Haram attack on military base in Diffa region leaves 10 dead October 30

Event

Gunmen reportedly attacked the Blabrine military base in Niger's Diffa region on Wednesday, October 30, leaving at least 10 people dead. The raid began at 03:00 (local time) on Wednesday, when suspected Boko Haram militants attacked the camp and set military equipment aflame. According to local sources, the situation is not yet under control as of 16:00 on Wednesday.

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions are to be expected in the area; violent clashes between militants and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Several militant groups have been active along the Niger-Mali-Burkina Faso border area, which the countries' respective governments have had difficulty securing in recent years. Niger faces a high threat from terrorism, including armed attacks and abductions. Militant Islamist cells from various Nigerian and Malian terrorist groups - including Boko Haram, Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and Al-Mourabitoun - are all active in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Niger are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for militant and criminal activity, and exercise vigilance when visiting sites deemed likely to be targeted in an attack (e.g. government buildings, prominent hotels, etc.). Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to areas located in the north and west of the country.