Niger: Death toll rises from January 9 militant attack in Tillabéri /update 1

Event

According to security officials, the death toll from the January 9 militant attack in Chinagodrar (Tillabéri region) has risen to at least 89. As of Saturday, January 11, no group has claimed responsibility for the raid, though jihadists linked with the Islamic State (IS) group are reportedly active in the area. In response to the incident, Defense Minister Issoufou Katambe announced on Friday, January 10, that the army would launch a new offensive against jihadists.

A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected in Tillabéri region over the near term. 

Context

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 throughout 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.

Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to areas located in the north and west of the country, including areas along the border with Burkina Faso, as well as areas along the Nigerian border to the south, due to the high risk of terrorist activity.