Niger: Suspected jihadist militants attack military outpost in Diffa region March 16

Event

According to a local security official, suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a military outpost in Toummour (Diffa region) overnight between Sunday, March 15, and Monday, March 16, leaving one person wounded. The Nigerien armed forces retaliated, killing some 50 militants.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the coming days. Similar incidents are possible in the Diffa 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 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.