Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso set to ‘expose Nigerian politicians aiding bandits’

Intelligence agencies from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso say they are preparing to reveal the names of senior Nigerian politicians alleged to be supporting bandit groups operating in Nigeria’s North-West, security analyst, Zagazola Makama reports.

According to Makama, officials of the security agencies disclosed that they are already in possession of the names of some politicians allegedly suspected of providing assistance to the criminal gangs.

They reportedly added that some individuals involved in supplying arms to the bandits had been arrested and investigations were underway.

According to the agencies, the move forms part of ongoing regional efforts to dismantle cross-border criminal networks that fuel insecurity in West Africa.

The development comes against the backdrop of growing collaboration between Sahelian states on security, especially in tackling armed groups and illicit arms trafficking across borders.