Again Terrorists Hits Niger-Benin Oil Pipeline in Tahoua Region

By Zagazola Makama

Suspected terrorists have again attacked the Niger-Benin crude oil pipeline in the early hours of Wednesday in the Konni Department of Niger’s Tahoua Region, marking the fourth such incident this month.

Local sources report that the attack occurred near Dossey, west of Kouliki, a strategic section of the nearly 2,000-kilometre pipeline that transports crude oil from the Agadem oilfields in Niger to the port of Sèmè-Kpodji in Benin.

This latest incident follows a confrontation last Sunday in the same area, where nine assailants were reportedly neutralised by security forces. Despite increased security measures, the pipeline continues to face threats, raising concerns about the protection of vital national infrastructure.

The Niger-Benin pipeline, operated by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), is a critical asset for Niger’s economy. Repeated attacks not only jeopardise oil exports but also pose significant environmental risks due to potential oil spills.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the group responsible for the latest sabotage. However, previous attacks have been attributed to the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL), a rebel group opposing the current military regime in Niger.

Again Terrorists Hits Niger-Benin Oil Pipeline in Tahoua Region

Korean Intelligence Service commends NDLEA on arrest of wanted Nigerian drug baron, seeks suspect’s extradition

By: Michael Mike

The National Intelligence Service of the Republic of Korea (NIS) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, for its exceptional effort and professionalism in apprehending a wanted 59-year-old drug baron Ogbonnaya Kevin.

Ogbonnaya, who have been operating for 17 years underground where he shipped illicit drugs worth billions of naira across the world, was ended in February following his arrest by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.

Ogbonnaya had for years been a pain in the neck of the Korean authorities following the persistent shipment of illicit drugs linked to him to South Korea. As a result, an Interpol red notice was issued against him, while the National Intelligence Service of South Korea sought the help of NDLEA in tracking and arresting him.

He had served a one-year prison sentence in Korea in 2007 for drug offences and deported to Nigeria in 2008. After years of being on his trail, operatives of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA eventually arrested him on 12th February 2025, at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos.

Excited with the breakthrough, a delegation from the Korean Intelligence Service on Wednesday paid the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) a courtesy visit to deliver a letter of appreciation by the Director of NIS, Taeyong Cho.

In his letter, Cho expressed gratitude for Marwa’s support and “the NDLEA’s exceptional cooperation during our recent joint operation, which led to the arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a key figure in an international drug organization.”

According to the Korean Intelligence chief, “Kevin Jeff was responsible for smuggling significant quantities of narcotics into the Republic of Korea, and the NIS had been tracking him for years. I am truly pleased that our two services have successfully carried out the first special cooperation, enabling us to bring him to justice. Without the NDLEA’s invaluable cooperation, those long-standing efforts might have been in vain.

“Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for the NDLEA’s exemplary service in this cooperation. Building on this significant achievement in our joint efforts against drug-related crimes, I look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.” The NIS delegation comprising: Messrs Choi Younkwan and Kim Juseok sought for the extradition of Ogbonnaya to South Korea to face pending drug charges.

In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation for the Koreans’ commendation and assured them that the world can always count on Nigeria in the global effort against illicit drug trafficking.
“We’re delighted to partner with you and be of service to you because your Service has a long history of professionalism. We want to give the assurance that at any time, you can count on us to work together with you towards a drug-free world”, the NDLEA boss stated.

He thanked the Korean government for the donation of some equipment to the agency, adding that they “will be of tremendous help to us as we continue to execute our job of keeping Nigeria and the world safe from drug traffickers.” He said he will study their request for extradition and work within the limits allowed by the Nigerian laws and the bilateral agreements between the two countries. He expressed hope in the possibility of getting training opportunities for NDLEA officers in Korean Intelligence training institution as part of the evolving partnership.

Korean Intelligence Service commends NDLEA on arrest of wanted Nigerian drug baron, seeks suspect’s extradition

ECOWAS at 50: Stakeholders Call for Reforms to Prevent Disintegration

… Ask for Door on Return of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali to Remain Opened

By: Michael Mike

As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gears up for its 50th anniversary, stakeholders from various sectors have called for immediate and holistic reform of the organisation.

The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja at a high-level forum, organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), with the theme: ‘ECOWAS @ 50, Reform or Disintegrate: Which pathway for the Regional Bloc?’.

The CDD Senior Fellow, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim in his presentation, traced ECOWAS’s historical role in promoting democracy and integration in West Africa, while warning
that recent developments, including military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, posed significant challenges to the bloc’s cohesion and must be acted upon.

He said: “ECOWAS has been instrumental in deepening democracy in our region. Yet, the emergence of unconstitutional regimes threatens the unity and progress we’ve achieved.”

Ibrahim maintained the importance of continued dialogue with the Sahelian countries that have experienced coups, advocating for their reintegration into ECOWAS through a renewed commitment to democratic principles.

He also noted the region’s economic struggles, saying that West Africa now hosts one of the largest populations of impoverished people globally.

He highlighted the inability of many ECOWAS member states to generate sustainable employment, particularly for the youth, fuels disillusionment and instability.
He said, “The dream of independence -access to education, opportunity, and self-determination- has faded. That broken promise is now being expressed in terrorism, displacement, and deepened poverty.”

He insisted that ECOWAS needs to undergo comprehensive reforms, calling for dismantling systems rooted in colonial and imperial legacies and emphasized the need for inclusive governance structures that prioritize the welfare of all citizens.

He said: “Without reclaiming West Africa’s resources for its people, genuine development and integration will remain a distant dream.”

On his part, the chairman of the CDD Board, Comrade John Odah, reflected on ECOWAS’s 50-year journey, acknowledging both achievements and challenges.

He urged civil society organizations to critically evaluate the bloc’s successes and shortcomings and to actively support the vision of regional integration.

He said: “ECOWAS was established to integrate 15 sub-Saharan African countries socially, economically, culturally, and politically. Despite challenges, significant progress has been made. It’s imperative for civil society to ensure that the dream of ECOWAS integration is not aborted.”

He urged stakeholders to interrogate what has been successful and what have been the challenges in the 50-year history of ECOWAS integration, and to contribute in whatever way possible to ensure the dream of ECOWAS integration is not aborted.

Speaking on behalf of the WADEMOS, Paul Osei-Kuffour, the Program Manager, CDD-Ghana and Network Coordinator, WADEMOS, said ECOWAS is facing threats and vulnerabilities which are at the core of its foundation and existence and could undermine its legitimacy and relevance.
He said that theme of the convening reflects the reality of the situation confronting the region such as the exit of the three countries and the formation of the AES.

He said: “Although we experienced the exit of Mauritania in the past, the historical, cultural, security and economic ties between the three countries and ECOWAS presents its unique challenges. Additionally, ECOWAS response to military coups and applications of sanctions have experienced challenges and setback, and not yielded the expected results with transition in Guinea remaining in perpetuity.

“The regional body has also been criticised for not doing much to integrate the voices of community citizens in ECOWAS decision making processes and the realization of the constitutional convergence principles in its structures and institutions.

“And at the global level, which ECOWAS is not an exception, we are seeing persistent attacks on multilateral institutions as part of the playbook of authoritarian leaders hiding under the claim of sovereignty,” Osei-Kuffour said.

ECOWAS at 50: Stakeholders Call for Reforms to Prevent Disintegration