Niger: Unidentified gunmen kill 20 civilians in Tillabéri region May 9

Event

Unidentified gunmen killed 20 civilians in attacks on several villages in the Tillabéri region on Saturday evening (local time), May 9. According to reports, the villages that were attacked are Gadabo, Zibane Koira-Zeno, and Zibane-Tegui. The gunmen allegedly looted shops and stole cattle during the attacks. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks as of Sunday, May 10.

Similar militant attacks are possible 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, notably in the Diffa, Tahoua, and Tillaberi regions, leading to a continued insecurity in these areas.

Advice

Individuals in the Tillabéri region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. The security environment in Niger remains complex and professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.