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Fact sheet on Suicide Attacks reported in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries, January 2017

Countries
Nigeria
+ 3 more
Sources
UNICEF
+ 1 more
Publication date

Situation Analysis: UNICEF Nigeria with the support of donors listed above, lead the collection and analysis of data on suicide attacks by the Boko Haram in North-East Nigeria and the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The analysis presented below covers the reporting period of January 2017. It is important to note that due to security situation in North-East Nigeria and across the borders with neighbouring countries, it was difficult to verify all the numbers of children used and killed or injured as a result of suicide attacks.

Therefore, the information presented is based on verified incidents and might not represent the actual picture of the situation. Overall, 14 incidents of suicide attacks were recorded including 7 incidents in which 13 children were used. Nigeria recorded the highest impact of suicide attacks (71%) followed by Cameroon (29%). There were no suicide incidents reported in Chad and Niger during the period. The number of children used in suicide attacks in the month of January 2017 exceeds, by 38%, the one recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016.

This trend is likely to increase as a result of Boko Haram being reportedly pushed out of its main strongholds in Sambisa forest by Nigeria security forces but also the fact that the group would attempt to demonstrate its capability and strength in refuting defeat as claimed by the government and the Nigeria security forces.