US Embassy in Niamey Warns of Kidnapping Risk in Diffa Region
Category: Criminal Activity
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/19/2017 (Niger) - The US Embassy in Niamey has warned travellers on Tuesday, 19 September, that terrorist groups are likely targeting westerners in the Diffa region. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has kidnapped Europeans in the region in the past and continues to threaten to kidnap westerners as it serves as a key revenue stream for the terrorist group. Boko Haram militants are also active in the region and regularly conduct raids along the porous border region between Chad and Niger.
The State Department warns against travel to Niger due to the threat from terrorist groups in the region. Due to the threat from cross-border militancy, those operating in the Diffa region are advised to conduct a thorough localised threat assessment and ensure that all travel is undertaken in coordination with a trusted private security provider. Travellers should exercise a heightened level of situational awareness and immediately report any suspicious activity or items to security forces.
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