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Niger Government Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Sabotage Allegations Against Nigeria
Niger Government Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Sabotage Allegations Against Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerien government is under fire from its citizens and regional observers following its accusations that Nigeria orchestrated the recent sabotage of an oil pipeline between Lido and Karakara in the Dosso region. Despite claims of possessing “concrete evidence” against Nigeria, the Niger government has yet to present any substantiating proof, leading to widespread skepticism and criticism.
On December 18, 2024, Nigerien authorities summoned Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to account for the alleged involvement of Nigerian officials in the pipeline attack. The Nigerien Minister of Energy accused Nigeria of conspiring with foreign powers implicitly referencing France to destabilize Niger by targeting its critical energy infrastructure. These allegations arise amid heightened tensions following Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The accusations have ignited a wave of criticism among Nigeriens, many of whom view their government as clueless and unfocused. They see these moves as indicative of a government struggling to maintain control and shifting blame to external actors to mask internal security failures.
One critic argued that the leadership is deflecting blame for its failure to secure strategic facilities and prevent attacks, Abdoulaye Boubacar, remarked, “When you are sovereign, you ensure the security of your strategic facilities.” he said.
Some observers interpret the accusations as a misguided attempt to isolate Nigeria due to its close ties with France, a nation that Niger’s junta has frequently accused of interference. “This is not about facts; this is about Nigeria’s relationship with France,” stated Abdou Pagoui, a public commentator.
Amadou Harouna, another resident said Niger’s government is at a critical juncture, and its reliance on external blame is increasingly seen as a dangerous distraction from pressing internal issues. By failing to acknowledge its own security shortcomings, Niger risks exacerbating its vulnerabilities. The economic fallout from leaving ECOWAS, coupled with internal security lapses, has already compounded the challenges facing the nation. “The decision to exit ECOWAS was shortsighted and has brought more harm than good,” remarked a regional analyst. “Blaming Nigeria or anyone else will not solve Niger’s problems.” Said Harouna.
Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst said the ongoing tensions and unfounded accusations against Nigeria threaten to strain relations with Niger’s largest trading partner and significant economic ally. This diplomatic misstep could worsen Niger’s isolation, particularly as it navigates the fallout from its decision to distance itself from West African norms and allies.
Nigeria and Niger share over 1,400 kilometers of porous borders, making collaboration essential for tackling cross border terrorism and other security challenges. As Africa’s largest economy and a regional leader, Nigeria has consistently sought to strengthen ties with Niger, offering support in areas such as counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.
In July 2024, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, led a high level delegation to Niger to discuss regional security and enhance military cooperation. This visit marked a significant step toward rebuilding trust and addressing shared threats. However, Niger’s recent withdrawal from key regional initiatives, such as ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has undermined these efforts.
Moreover, the continued focus on external blame diverts attention from critical internal issues, including insecurity, poverty, and poor governance. As Niger’s leadership attempts to portray itself as a bulwark against external threats, it is increasingly perceive it as disconnected from reality.
Niger’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) poses a significant threat to regional stability. The MNJTF was established to combat terrorism and trans border crimes in the Lake Chad Basin. The absence of military collaboration with Nigeria may lead to a resurgence of terrorist attacks. Without Niger’s participation, the MNJTF faces reduced capacity to patrol border areas, leaving them vulnerable to increased terrorist activity. Already, there are concerns that Boko Haram and ISWAP were already exploiting this gap to escalate attacks on both sides of the border.
Historically, such groups have exploited security vacuums, leading to some of the deadliest attacks in the region. Niger’s security failures are not unique, but its approach to addressing them has been counterproductive. The blame game does little to address the root causes of insecurity and alienates allies that are essential for long term stability.
As extremist groups continue to pose a significant threat, Niger must recognize that its success in combating these challenges lies in unity, not isolation. Cooperation with Nigeria and other regional partners is not just an option it is a necessity for safeguarding the future of the Sahel and West Africa. Cooperation with Nigeria is not merely beneficial; it is essential for addressing the escalating security threats that both nations faces . Only through cooperation and a commitment to addressing internal challenges can Niger hope to achieve lasting stability and security in the region.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Niger Government Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Sabotage Allegations Against Nigeria
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
•••771 to Graduate in Nigeria in 2025
•••Otuaro Hails Scholars’ Performances
By: Michael Mike
Nine students awarded foreign post-graduate scholarships by the Presidential Amnesty Programme have graduated from their master’s degree rprogrammes in universities in the United Kingdom.
The successful scholars are the first graduates in the offshore post-graduate scholarship deployment to UK institutions by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic session.
They graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University, University of Dundee and The University of Law with master’s degrees in cyber security, data science and engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT.
Also, 711 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries are expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.
The PAP, on Wednesday, 3 December, 2025, organised a graduation reception for the scholars in London.
Otuaro has congratulated them on their successful graduation, stressing that they completed their programmes in record time which shows the seriousness they had put into their studies.
He said they have justified the Federal Government’s investment in their education with their successful graduation, and urged other beneficiaries not to be distracted in their academic pursuits.
“We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or post-graduate level”, Otuaro said.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to expanding the scholarship scheme to create more opportunities for indigent students of Niger Delta extraction to access higher education with a view to closing the human capital development gap in the region.
Otuaro said it was for this reason he deployed 3800 beneficiaries in-country in the 2024-2025 academic year, and increased the figure to 3900 in the 2025-2026 academic session with 200 for foreign scholarships.
Otuaro has so far deployed 7700 students for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years.
Within this period, also, he has also deployed 162 students from the region for post-graduate programmes in targeted disciplines in the UK universities.
According to him, this is in conformity with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, who has given unprecedented support to the PAP because of his sincere love for the area.
The PAP boss said, “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region.
“We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
By: Michael Mike
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited has been incorporated to seamlessly allowed for the Refinery and Free Trade Zone in Ondo State.
A press statement on Thursday read that: “In furtherance of our commitment to the execution of these two major projects – Refinery and Free Trade Zone in conjunction with the Ondo State Government, the joint partners have taken another giant step by incorporating a joint company, namely – SUNSHINE JOINT VENTURE INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED – as the vehicle to be used in executing these projects. A move that further reinforces the sincerity of purpose and total commitment of the funding partners to move ahead together as a united front.
According to the release by Wale Adekola on behalf of the JV, the Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limitedwill, going forward serve as the vehicle to work with the Ondo State Government through the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) in the implementation of the executed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The statement added that: “In moving the projects forward for implementation, the JV team met in Dubai to finalize the funding modalities and put in place structures and plans for the commencement of activities for ground breaking and community engagements. These initial activities are aimed at complementing the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State and the one year anniversary of the election of the Executive Governor of the Sunshine State, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa CFR.
At the Dubai meeting were key officers of the JV Company, including: Messrs SALEHI FARHAD; ZAHERI NAVID; EGHBAL KORDJAMSHIDI; SAHEED ZAHERI; DR. STEPHEN DIKE; HENRY OWONKA AND MRS. NAMVAR MARYAM.
The statement further informed that, plans have been concluded to mobilize the relevant contractors working with the locals and host communities to put up structures that will host the information center, architectural models to showcase the projects on offer and facilities that will serve the team. All these are being planned with ONDIPA to execute the relocation and accommodation of the host communities that are likely to be affected by the projects and create a seamless transition that will engender peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship with our host communities.
The JV company further reiterated its commitment to work with Ondo State Government (through ONDIPA) to change the infrastructural landscape of the Sunshine State and for mutual benefits.
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
By: Zagazola Makama
Seven suspected bandits were arrested along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources confirmed.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, all Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at about 1800 hours on 2 December 2025. A search revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s, on their mobile phones.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed to have travelled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing for the possible recovery of actual firearms and to determine their involvement in criminal activities.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
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Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
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