by Ranti Joseph

The government of Niger has declared a state of emergency in the Diffa region.

The state of emergency was declared on Tuesday, February 10.

The region, which has been repeatedly attacked by Boko Haram, in recent days, is along the border with Nigeria.

A statement put out on the development said in part: “The state of emergency is proclaimed in the Diffa region for a period of 15 days.”

The measure is meant to grant increased powers to security forces, including to carry out searches.