Chad: BH militants kill 14 in Lake Chad area December 18

Event

Suspected Boko Haram militants attacked villagers near Baga Sola (Lake Chad area) overnight on Wednesday, December 18. At least 14 people were killed, five injured, and 13 others are missing as a result of the attack. As of Thursday, December 19, it remains unclear if the missing villagers have been abducted or have fled the area.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area in the near term. Similar Boko Haram attacks are possible in Lake Chad over the near term.

Context

This attack is the third of its kind in the area since late October. On December 2, a military outpost located between Ngouboua and Baga Sola was attacked, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers. The targeted military outpost was put in place following the abduction of three employees from the Ministry of Health in the area on October 30. As of mid-December, their whereabouts remain unknow.

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts targeting Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - has greatly diminished the group's territorial control since 2015, its members continue to routinely carry out deadly terrorist attacks. Boko Haram's stronghold is in northeastern Nigeria, where the majority of its activities are concentrated.

Advice

Individuals in Chad, especially in the Lake Chad area, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, limit time in areas deemed likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.