Niger: Militant attacks leave 10 dead February 8

Event

Officials announced on Saturday, February 8, that at least 10 civilians had been killed in separate militant attacks in recent days. On Thursday, February 6, four armed men on motorbikes opened fire on workers in the village of Molia (Tillabéri region), killing four people. At least another six people were killed on Friday, February 7, in a Boko Haram attack on Bosso district (Diffa region).

Further such attacks are possible 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.