Nigeria: Death toll rises following attack in Borno’s Jere LGA on November 28 /update 1

Event

The UN reported that the death toll in the Saturday, November 28, attack on the village of Koshobe (Borno state) has risen to at least 110, making it the most violent attack against civilians of the year. The attackers reportedly arrived in the Jere Local Government Area village on motorcycles and targeted rice farmers tending to their crops. Many others were wounded in the attack with several women believed to have been kidnapped. While no group has claimed responsibility, officials suspect Boko Haram militants were responsible for the attack. Authorities have launched a search operation to apprehend the perpetrators.

Further militant attacks are likely throughout Borno state over the near to medium term. A heightened security presence is to be expected in the vicinity of Koshobe while security forces respond to the incident.

Context

The northeastern region of Nigeria (i.e. the states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa) is highly susceptible to attacks by Islamist militants, including from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. Though Nigerian military forces have pushed insurgents from much of their previously claimed territory, attacks have been on the rise since June 2017.

Advice

Those in Borno state 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.