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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
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
News
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
News
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
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