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After Tillabéri, Is Niamey the Next Target?
After Tillabéri, Is Niamey the Next Target?
By: Zagazola Makama
As the security situation deteriorates in the embattled Tillabéri region of western Niger, fears are mounting that the country’s capital, Niamey, could become the next objective in a carefully coordinated offensive by jihadist groups.
What began as isolated attacks by armed terrorist groups (GATs) has now evolved into a structured campaign of territorial encirclement and economic suffocation. Once a resilient region, Tillabéri is now encircled by extremists who operate with impunity. Key towns such as Wanzarbé, Bankilaré, Kokourou, Ayorou, Makalondi, and Tamou have reportedly fallen under effective blockade, with roads cut off, markets paralyzed, and residents living under de facto insurgent control.
This shift from random insurgency to a strategic offensive raises alarm bells about the potential for a broader assault on Niamey, the political and military nerve center of Niger.
Groups such as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS/EIGS) and the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have adopted deliberate tactics to isolate strategic zones, weaken state presence, and create power vacuums. Analysts suggest that this methodical advance is setting the stage for a possible assault on Niamey.
“Their objective is no longer just military it’s psychological and political,” says a Sahel-based security expert who spoke to Zagazola Makama on the condition of anonymity. “They want to collapse the state from the outer provinces inward, sowing fear, discrediting the armed forces, and projecting power.”
Amid this deteriorating situation, the Nigerien Army’s response has been notably muted. Despite mounting pressure from local communities, there has been little visible counter-offensive. Observers question why the military appears paralyzed while villages fall, trade routes close, and militants entrench themselves deeper.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, had previously pledged to deploy a joint 5,000 man force to confront the growing threat. However, weeks later, there is no visible deployment, and coordination appears fractured. Military insiders cite low morale, unclear command structures, and growing disillusionment with military leadership, which is perceived to prioritize political office over battlefield engagement. “The foot soldiers are angry, and many feel betrayed,” says a retired officer based in Niamey.
The humanitarian situation in Tillabéri is dire. With routes severed and aid agencies unable to reach besieged populations, tens of thousands are at risk of famine, displacement, and forced recruitment by insurgents. Local sources report that GATs now enforce their own laws, regulate movements, and impose taxes on farmers and traders. Residents fear that militant authority is becoming normalized in areas where the state is absent.
While no confirmed attacks have occurred within Niamey itself, the encirclement of western regions has significant strategic implications. The capital, though heavily guarded, relies on surrounding areas for food, fuel, and supply chains. Recent incidents, including the invasion, looting, and burning of structures in the suburbs of Makalondi by JNIM fighters on April 7, 2025, illustrate the escalating threat. Following this attack, locals fled the village in fear, attempting to migrate towards Torodi City. However, they faced blockades from security personnel, who cited security reasons for preventing their exit. This has led to frustration among residents, who accuse the government of failing to protect them during the attack.
The humanitarian crisis in Niger is alarming, exacerbated by the government’s inability to develop concrete confidence-building measures to encourage local populations to remain in their communities. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also withdrawn its support, further complicating the humanitarian landscape.
Projected Outcomes and Regional Implications
As the situation unfolds, the potential for an influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into neighboring countries looms large. The continuous pressure from JNIM and ISGS could lead to further territorial gains within the Sahel, prompting increased protests against the government that could escalate into civil unrest or even civil war if not addressed.
Niger should consider providing humanitarian aid to victims, particularly as IDPs or refugee camps emerge across borders with Benin Republic and Nigeria. Collaborative efforts with neighboring countries to develop strategic counter-terrorism operations are essential to address the rising extremist threats. Activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force could enhance regional security measures. Moreover, Niger must intensify border security to manage the influx of refugees and curb the expansion of criminal activities across the northwest, northeast, and southwest regions of the country. Strengthening dialogue with the AES to enhance economic and security measures will be crucial in responding to the evolving threats in the Sahel.
In conclusion, as the situation in Tillabéri deteriorates, the specter of Niamey becoming the next target in this escalating conflict is increasingly plausible. The need for a coordinated and effective response from both national and regional actors has never been more urgent.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
After Tillabéri, Is Niamey the Next Target?
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Zulum Resettles 6,000 Families from Dikwa, Mafa

Zulum Resettles 6,000 Families from Dikwa, Mafa
… To Upgrade Skill Center at Maiduguri Correctional Facility
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum Umara, has announced the resettlement of 6,000 families displaced by Boko Haram insurgents. The families mostly hailed from Dikwa and Mafa local government areas.
Zulum announced the plan on Monday at Muna IDP camp, one of the largests with about 11,000 families taking refuge due to the over a decade old crisis in Borno.

Addressing journalists, Zulum reiterated that the resettlement became imperative due to the high-level of illicit activities in the camp.
“Boko Haram can never be eradicated without resettlement taking place. People have to go back to their homes and earn their livelihood. We have observed that in the IDP camp, there is increasing prostitution, increasing gangsterism, cases of child abuse and other criminalities,” Zulum said.
He added, “If you could remember, about four years ago, we announced that all formal IDP camps within Maiduguri metropolis would be closed. So far, so good, we have closed all down, about 12 of them. We have two informal camps remaining. We have resettled about 75% of the IDPs here (Muna camp), and the remaining 25% will return to their ancestral localities in the next few days.

According to Governor Zulum, each of the 6,000 families will receive food aid, shelter materials, and access to healthcare services as part of the resettlement process.
The Governor also announced that while each head of both male and female households receives N100,000, an additional N50,000 will be distributed to the housewives.
… To Upgrade Skill Center at Maiduguri Correctional Facility
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum also announced a plan to upgrade the vocational and skill acquisition centre at Maiduguri Maximum Security Correctional Facility to enhance rehabilitation and reduce the tendency for inmates to relapse into criminal activities.
The Governor who visited the facility on Monday morning emphasised that the essence of prison sentences is to transform lives, not just to confine individuals. He said, “I am here to examine the living conditions of the inmates here, especially in the areas of technical and vocational skills.
The essence of keeping them at the correctional facility is largely to reform them, but this cannot be feasible without facilities on the ground. We can also examine cases of some inmates, and within the ambit of the law, we will look to the possibility of releasing those convicted of minor offences,” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by a member of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Shiekh Modu Mustapha, and the permanent secretary of the Government House, Barrister Mustapha Ali Busuguma.
Zulum Resettles 6,000 Families from Dikwa, Mafa
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Provide solutions to challenges confronting your people, Buni tells northeast governors

Provide solutions to challenges confronting your people, Buni tells northeast governors
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, has told his colleagues that destiny has placed on you the leadership of your respective states to take decisions and provide solutions to challenges confronting your people.
Governor Buni, who is also the chief host of the 11th Northeast Governor’s Forum, said the northeast is committed to working together to address the challenges facing the region.
Adding that, today we are here on this occasion for us to deliberately reflect and make far-reaching decisions for and on behalf of our people to promote peace, security, and prosperity of the North Eastern States.
The high-level meeting, which is held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Damaturu, brings together governors from the six northeastern states, including Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe, and Yobe, aimed at discussing collaborative strategies to tackle the resurgence of Boko Haram hostilities and revitalizing agricultural activities and other ongoing challenges.
In his opening remarks, the Governor of Borno State, who is also the Chairman of the forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, emphasized the need for a unified approach to terrorism, banditry, and other security threats destabilizing the region.
“Your Excellencies, our forum’s determined efforts in tackling collectively all issues affecting our region have further made us a force to be reckoned with in the nation,” Zulum said.
He urged all well-meaning citizens of our region to support and work with us in the interest of the development of our people.
Experts and representatives from the Northeast Development Commission, National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, and Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology were present to address the governor.
The ceremony was attended by secretaries to the state governments in the six states in the region, traditional rulers, security heads, and heads of the relevant agencies from the region.
Provide solutions to challenges confronting your people, Buni tells northeast governors
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IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice

IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice
By: Michael Mike
Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP) has welcomed the recent action taken by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in suspending three judges and nullifying the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge in Imo State, asking the body to adopt a proactive framework which rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while identifying and disqualifying those who act in breach of public trust
IJAP, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Honourable Justice Mojeed Adekunle Owoade JCA (rtd.), noted that: ‘‘The decisions, taken in response to judicial misconduct and procedural irregularities, reflect growing public demand for transparency, integrity, and accountability within the judiciary,” adding that: “However, this must not remain a reactive gesture. As a body entrusted with safeguarding the independence and ethics of the judiciary, the NJC must rise beyond disciplinary enforcement driven only by public petitions. We reiterate the urgent need for the NJC to adopt a proactive framework which rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while identifying and disqualifying those who act in breach of public trust.”
IJAP’s recommendations, outlined in its Technical Working Group’s policy submissions, call on the NJC to: Implement a “Punishment and Reward” System. Judges who uphold integrity and demonstrate consistent professionalism should be elevated. Conversely, those who compromise due processincluding misusing ex parte orders should not only face sanctions but also be disqualified from elevation to the Higher Bench and from being given sensitive roles like election tribunals.
IJAP commended the NJC for its resolution to henceforth publish the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to Superior Courts of Record for information and comments by the public, noting that this will Introduce Citizens’ Scrutiny in Judicial Appointments, to enhance transparency, build public confidence, and ensure that only fit and proper candidates ascend to the bench
IJAP also recommended that Disciplinary Reports should be made public to deter judicial misconduct and align the Council’s actions with public interest; Strengthening of Judicial Oversight by investing in the collection and analysis of judicial performance data, addressing inconsistent judgments, and collaborating with the National Judicial Institute to train judiciary staff on global best practices.
It also advocated for the Passage of the Whistleblowing Bill on Judicial Misconduct, which would provide a formal mechanism for reporting unethical behaviour in the judiciary while protecting whistle-blowers from retaliation.
IJAP also called for urgent reform in post-electoral justice delivery, to ensure that tribunal decisions are not only timely but also uphold the democratic mandate of the people—free from political interference or inducement. “We further emphasise that justice in electoral matters must be both swift and credible. The current constitutional timelines for pre-election and post-election petitions—though important—must be revisited to ensure that all election disputes are resolved before the swearing-in of declared winners. Nigeria must learn from regional peers like Kenya, where judicial processes prioritise electoral integrity and prompt adjudication.” It further stated.
IJAP said that: ‘‘In this defining moment, we call on all judicial stakeholders including the NJC, legal practitioners, civil society, and the general public—to collectively restore faith in Nigeria’s judiciary by demanding proactive reform, fostering ethical leadership, and holding all actors accountable.’’
Independent Accountability Judicial Panel (IJAP) consists of a team of renowned retired court of appeal judges, academia, legal practitioners and development experts with a track record of transparent leadership in judicial matters, to review Judicial pronouncements/actions and provide informed analysis that will enable Citizens to hold the Judiciary accountable.
IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice
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