Nigeria: Possible Boko Haram attack in Geidam (Yobe state) April 20

Event

Unconfirmed social media sources report that a Boko Haram attack took place in Geidam (Yobe state) on Monday, April 20. The incident took place at around 11:10 (local time), with gunmen entering the town from the south. Government soldiers were reportedly able to repel the advance, with no casualties reported. This assault comes following a week of Nigerian Army activity against Boko Haram, as part of Operation Lafiya Dole, during which 105 militants have been killed and arms and ammunition recovered in northeastern Yobe state.

A heightened security presence is expected in the region, and further retaliatory attacks are possible over the near term.

Context

On Thursday, April 16, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out an airstrike on a Boko Haram logistics facility in Sambisa Forest (Borno State) as part of Operation Lafiya Dole. Local news sources report that dozens of Boko Haram militants were killed in the airstrike and the facility destroyed.

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 (ISWAP). Though Nigerian military forces have pushed insurgents from much of their previously claimed territory, attacks have been on the rise since June 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Yobe 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. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.