By Ademola Adekusibe
September 29, 2025
Translation:
Intelligence agencies from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced plans to reveal the identities of senior Nigerian politicians suspected of aiding bandit groups operating in Nigeria’s North-West.
Officials confirmed that their agencies already have in their possession the names of some politicians allegedly providing support to criminal gangs. They further disclosed that certain individuals involved in supplying arms to the bandits have been arrested and are currently under investigation.
The agencies said the disclosures are part of broader regional efforts to dismantle cross-border criminal networks that exacerbate insecurity across West Africa.
This announcement comes amid intensified collaboration among Sahelian states to address armed groups and curb illicit arms trafficking across borders. Security analysts note that coordinated action among the countries is expected to strengthen intelligence-sharing and put additional pressure on criminal networks operating in the region.
Authorities have not yet confirmed a timeline for when the names will be publicly disclosed.
