Chad: BH militant kills nine in Lake Chad area January 20

Event

According to local sources, a female suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the Kaiga Kindjira locality (Lake Chad area) overnight (local time) between Sunday, January 19, and Monday, January 20, killing nine people.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the near term. Similar Boko Haram attacks are also possible in Lake Chad over the near term.

Context

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts targeting Boko Haram that began in 2015 - led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger - has greatly diminished the group's territorial control since 2015, its members continue to routinely carry out deadly terrorist attacks. Boko Haram's stronghold is in northeastern Nigeria, where the majority of its activities are concentrated.

Advice

Individuals in Chad, especially in the Lake Chad area, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, limit time in areas deemed likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.