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Inside Niger’s Intelligence Agency: Corruption, Influence Peddling, and Moral Decay at the Heart of the DGDSE
Inside Niger’s Intelligence Agency: Corruption, Influence Peddling, and Moral Decay at the Heart of the DGDSE
By: Our Reporter
For nearly two years, Niger’s Direction Générale de la Documentation et de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGDSE) has been plagued by corruption, influence trafficking, and a shocking decline in ethical standards. What should be a fortress of national intelligence and security has instead become a breeding ground for bribery, favoritism, and moral misconduct.
The recent dismissal of the powerful Director of Operations, Colonel Issa Yacouba, is just the tip of the iceberg. A deeper investigation reveals a well-oiled system of financial extortion, unethical recruitment, and even sexual blackmail all unfolding under the leadership of Bala Arabe.
Colonel Issa Yacouba’s dismissal is not an isolated case. Having served in the DGDSE since the Issoufou era, he was previously removed and jailed under President Mohamed Bazoum’s administration for selling a government-seized vehicle for 11 million CFA francs.
However, following the July 26, 2023 coup led by General Abdourahmane Tiani, he was reinstated as Director of Operations only to be dismissed again, along with several other agents, including National Guard officer Oumarou Kadadé, known as “O.K.”, and an officer named Dan Jouma. Reports indicate that a third constable is also implicated.
Yet, the deeper problem extends beyond individual dismissals. Under Bala Arabe’s leadership, recruitment into the DGDSE has become a business venture, where competence and qualifications no longer matter. The real power lies with his Chief of Staff, Loukman, who operates an extensive recruitment network with the help of a man named Mounkeila Sanda, also known as “PRIM.”
During this investigation, we posed as a security officer seeking recruitment into the DGDSE. The response was chilling: Since July 26, the DGDSE belongs to us, and we do what we want. Oga’s Chief of Staff will do the needful; if you pay the price, you will be recruited!”
This blatant admission confirms the allegations that financial bribery, rather than merit, now determines who gets into the country’s top intelligence service.
Sexual Blackmail in the Intelligence Ranks
Beyond financial corruption, our investigation uncovered disturbing cases of abuse of power, including sexual blackmail. One such case took place within the Groupe d’Appui et de Reconnaissance (GAR), a specialized DGDSE unit.
A lieutenant, who is reportedly close to Bala Arabe, developed an obsession with a female officer, Roumana, a National Guard member. When she rejected his advances, he waited for an opportunity to exploit her. That opportunity came when Roumana accidentally lost her service pistol. As per protocol, she reported the incident to her superiors. Instead of following standard procedures, the lieutenant saw this as leverage and offered to cover up the incident—on the condition that she sleep with him.
When she refused, he made a false report, portraying her as negligent and unfit for service. As a result, she was dismissed from GAR and reassigned to the National Guard (GNN). To further punish her, she was abruptly transferred to Zinder, with only three days to report to her new post.
The DGDSE is supposed to be Niger’s first line of defense against external threats, terrorism, and espionage. Instead, it has been turned into a marketplace for corruption, where positions are sold to the highest bidder and officers abuse their power for personal gain.
Under the leadership of Bala Arabe, merit has been replaced by financial transactions, influence peddling, and moral decay. The implications for national security are grave—when an intelligence agency is compromised from within, the entire country becomes vulnerable.
As these revelations come to light, the people of Niger and the country’s leadership must ask themselves: can the DGDSE still be trusted to protect the nation? Or has it become one of the biggest security risks Niger faces today?
Inside Niger’s Intelligence Agency: Corruption, Influence Peddling, and Moral Decay at the Heart of the DGDSE
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
…Commends Journalists for Objective Reportage
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has awarded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum with its prestigious media friendly award.
The event was held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Union.
Zulum had won multiple award in the past owing to his outstanding achievements and style of leadership. Some of the earlier awards were the NUJ Good Governance Award, 2024; NUJ most promising first term governor in 2019; Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, 2024, among others.
In his remark shortly after receiving the award, Governor Zulum, represented by his acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition bestowed on him as the “Media-Friendly Governor”.
He said: “This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish.”
He remarked that the NUJ, for decades has stood as a bulwark for truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a critical pillar of our democracy, performing their core function of informing, educating and holding leadership accountable, which has in a no small measure shaped the nation’s narrative and guide its progress.
“In Borno State, we have witnessed firsthand the invaluable role journalists play, often at great personal risk, in bringing to light the challenges we face and celebrate our resilience,” he stressed.
Zulum described the media as an ‘indispensable ally’, emphasizing that their objective reportage helps to communicate his administration’s effort, address misconceptions, and gather vital feedback from the populace. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is essential for good governance and sustainable development.
“On this significant anniversary, i reaffirmed my commitment to supporting the media in Borno State and beyond. I congratulate the NUJ on 70 years of impactful service to Nigeria. May your noble profession continue to thrive, and may you continue to be a beacon of truth and integrity,” the governor added.
The governor also used the opportunity to urge the NUJ and media professionals to take full advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the areas of automation of routine tasks, personalization and audience engagement, efficiency and speed, and be wary of misinformation, disinformation and ethical concerns.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who represented President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and the media.
“I want to reassure you, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold and advance policies that promote media freedom and to partner with NUJ to changing media landscape in the country,” he promised.
The acting Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.
The NUJ at 70 anniversary award was graced by many distinguished personalities including deputy governors of Kano, Bauchi, Oyo and Ondo states, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Heads of federal media establishments, past presidents of the Union, veteran journalists and media professionals across the country.
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
By: Michael Mike
Thousands of people trooped to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja to celebrate the 11th Edition of the International Yoga Day.
The first celebration of the Yoga Day took place In 2015 and since then the day has grown into a global movement promoting health, harmony and peace.
Speaking at the occasion at the weekend in Abuja, the acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ms. Vartika Rawat said this year we come together under the theme: “Yoga for one Earth, One Health,” resonates deeply I our current era, where health of our planet and our personal wellbeing are intricately intertwined.
She added that: “By practicing Yoga, we not only nurture our bodies and minds but also contribute to the well-being of the Earth and a sustainable future.”
She noted that Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to unite’, teaches the importance of balance and harmony. “It encourages us to live in alignment with nature, promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. Yoga is more than just physical postures; it is a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
“In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle diseases are rampant, yoga offers a sanctuary of peace and healing,” noting that regular practice of yoga enhances flexibility,strength, and balance. It improves cardiovascular health, boosts immunity, and aids in the management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Moreover, yoga’s emphasis on mindfulness and mediation helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a sense of inner peace and emotional stability.”
She advised the government of Nigeria to ensure that the benefits of yoga are accessible to all.”
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue six kidnapped farmers
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of six kidnapped farmers following a foiled banditry attack at Kwari Manaja Forest in Sabuwa Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred on June 21 at about 5:41 p.m. when armed men suspected to be bandits attacked farmers working on their respective farmlands.
The sources said that upon receiving the distress report, the DPO swiftly mobilised police tactical teams and led a convoy of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol vehicles to the scene.
The police operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
As a result of the operation, the following victims were rescued unhurt: Ayuba, 51; Mubarak, 23; Garba, 25; Ibrahim, 21; Bala, 28; and Nura, 25 all males from Tashar Nadaya Village.
The police sources said no casualties were recorded among the rescued victims, and efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue six kidnapped farmers
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
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