Nigeria: Militants assault army position in Borno state January 21 /update 1

Event

A Nigerian military position in Borno state was assaulted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Tuesday, January 21. Militants armed with heavy machine guns attacked the soldiers near the village of Mainok, located approximately 56 km (35 mi) west of Maiduguri along the main highway to Damaturu (Yobe state). According to military sources, seven soldiers were killed in the attack and five were wounded. Another two are also missing as of Wednesday, January 22. The militants were able to seize several vehicles and weapons before being repelled from the area.

Similar attacks are possible in Borno state over the coming weeks.

Context

On Wednesday, January 15, militants also attacked a military position along the same highway near the village of Auno (Borno state), killing four soldiers and wounding another seven.

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

Advice

Individuals 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.

The security environment in Nigeria remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.