News
Niger’s Shifting Accusations on Pipeline Sabotage – From Nigeria to China
Niger’s Shifting Accusations on Pipeline Sabotage – From Nigeria to China
By: Zagazola Makama
The mystery surrounding the wave of pipeline explosions in Niger Republic has taken a new twist, as authorities in Niamey shift blame from Nigeria and its allies to China, raising more questions than answers about the actors and motives behind these attacks.
Since the first reported sabotage on June 16, 2024, a series of large-scale explosions have rocked key oil infrastructure, severely disrupting crude oil transportation and exportation. While the Nigerien government initially accused Nigeria, France, and Benin, recent developments suggest a new diplomatic blame game, with China now at the center of the controversy.
For months, Nigerien authorities, particularly elements within the ruling military junta, accused regional and international actors of orchestrating attacks on its pipelines to exert economic and political pressure. The pipeline running from Niger’s Agadem oil field to the Benin coast has been a flashpoint in diplomatic tensions, especially after Benin refused to allow oil shipments over a political dispute with Niamey.
Initially, the First Peoples of the Liberation (FPL) claimed responsibility for the first explosion but have since remained silent on subsequent attacks. This led Niger’s junta to direct its accusations at neighboring countries, alleging that foreign backed sabotage aimed to destabilize its oil dependent economy.
However, in a recent confidential letter, Nigerien officials allegedly, accused China of secretly collaborating with Nigerien rebels to justify a halt in oil production, adding a new dimension to the crisis.
Why China?
China has been a major investor in Niger’s oil industry, funding the construction of the 2,000km-long Niger-Benin pipeline through the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). With exports projected at 90,000 barrels per day, Beijing has significant stakes in Niger’s oil sector.
However, sources within Nigerien intelligence claim that Chinese interests could be benefiting from the attacks, using them as a pretext to renegotiate contracts or pressure Niamey into granting more favorable terms. Others speculate that factions within the Nigerien government could be pushing this narrative to shift public attention away from internal instability and economic hardship.
On the other hand, Chinese diplomatic sources have reportedly dismissed the allegations, suggesting instead that the so-called “petro-kidnappers” a term used for those controlling Niger’s oil resources could be staging these attacks to strengthen their bargaining power in contract negotiations.
Unanswered Questions
Beyond the accusations, several troubling questions remain: Why has no group claimed responsibility for the recent attacks?
How have the attackers managed to strike without being caught or leaving behind suspects? If China is involved, what does it stand to gain by sabotaging infrastructure it helped build? If the accusations against Nigeria and Benin were false, what was the motive behind Niger’s initial claims?
Another major mystery surrounds the Lakurawas, a shadowy group rumored to be involved in the attacks. Despite being frequently mentioned in official circles, the group has never issued a statement or made any demands, raising doubts about its very existence.
Analysts believe the real actors behind the sabotage could be operating from within Niger itself, using the attacks to advance personal or political agendas. By constantly shifting blame from Nigeria to France, Benin, and now China Niger’s junta may be obscuring the true source of the crisis.
Meanwhile, with no arrests, no confirmed perpetrators, and no resolution in sight, the pipeline fires remain a silent riddle, burning through Niger’s economic potential and regional diplomatic ties.
Until the real masterminds are identified, the only certainty is that ordinary Nigeriens remain the biggest victims of this unfolding crisis.
Niger’s Shifting Accusations on Pipeline Sabotage – From Nigeria to China
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Special Forces Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have intercepted terrorists attempting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along a strategic route in Gando Forest, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, operating under Operation TSAFTA DAJI III Phase 3, launched an ambush when they encountered a group of terrorists laying IEDs.
On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled into the forest under the cover of darkness, abandoning their explosives and equipment.
Recovered items include: One motorcycle, Three 25-litre jerrycans filled with IED components, 300 meters of sapper cable, one DET 33 electric detonator and one hoe used for planting explosives.
The Nigerian military has continued to maintain an aggressive posture against terrorists and criminal elements in Zamfara State, with Operation FANSAN YANMA and Operation TSAFTA DAJI III targeting bandit strongholds across Anka, Bagega, and Bukkuyum axis.
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
By Zagazola Makama
A violent clash between rival bandit factions has resulted in the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Dogo Wise in Zamfara State, sources familiar with the incident have confirmed to Zagazola Makama.
According to the source Dogo Wise was killed by another bandit commander, Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka, following a dispute over ransom money. The deadly confrontation occurred at Dutsin Daru, Maradun Local Government Area.
Security sources revealed that the conflict erupted after Kachalla Dogo Wise allegedly seized ransom money that was meant for Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka. The money was reportedly delivered by families of kidnapped victims, but Wise took full possession of it, refusing to share it with Kanin Na Eka.
Feeling betrayed, Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka ambushed and killed Dogo Wise in retaliation, a move that has heightened tensions within the criminal underworld in Zamfara State.
“These bandits have no loyalty among themselves. When money is involved, they turn against each other. Dogo Wise made the mistake of crossing Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka, and it cost him his life.” sad the sources.
Meanwhile, following Dogo Wise’s killing, another powerful bandit leader, Kachalla Jimmu Sumoli, has vowed to avenge his death.
Jimmu Sumoli, a feared commander operating in Zamfara and parts of Sokoto State, reportedly declared that he would retaliate against Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka and his followers.
Source in Maradun LGA confirmed that Sumoli’s men have already begun mobilizing for a possible counterattack,
Implications for Security in Zamfara
The killing of Kachalla Dogo Wise adds to the growing infighting among bandit factions in the North-West, a trend that could weaken their operational strength but also trigger more brutal retaliatory attacks.
“While their internal conflicts reduce their cohesion, it also makes them more unpredictable and dangerous. We are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further violence spilling into communities.” said a military sources.
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
News
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National
By: Michael Mike
The Chinese business community in the country has denied the allegation that the shooting of the immigration officer at a Chinese firm was at the instruction of a Chinese national.
The Director General China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Dr. Cui Guangzhen in a statement said the said shooting could never have been ordered by a Chinese.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the reports that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior condemned the shooting of an immigration officer allegedly on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria in a briefing on March 27.
“The China General Chamber of Commerce attaches great importance to the reports and carried out an immediate investigation.
Based upon the findings of police authority in Niger State, the incident mentioned by the Minister of Interior happened on the 21st of February, 2025 in Minna, Niger State.
“During a police action, the state police force was trying to effect an arrest of some local citizen who was suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company. When encountering stiff resistance of the suspect, one of the police officers fired a shot and the bullet accidentally hit a passerby who was later identified to be an immigration officer.
“China General Chamber of Commerce would like to clearly state the following:
Neither Chinese citizens nor Chinese companies were involved in the incident. The allegation that a Chinese company employee ordered the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer is utterly false.
The Chinese companies in Nigeria abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria and are committed to the economic and social development of Nigeria.
@The China General Chamber of Commerce is saddened by the incident and sincerely wishes the injured a quick recovery.”
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics7 months agoKashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
