Niger arrests 331 suspects as drug crackdown sweeps Niamey

Security authorities in Niger have arrested 331 people, including 27 minors, during a major anti-drug operation in the capital, Niamey, as part of efforts to disrupt networks involved in illicit drug trafficking and consumption.

The operation, code-named Tankadé, meaning “to sift” in the Zarma language, was conducted from Saturday night into Sunday by the Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS), in collaboration with other security agencies under the Niamey Regional Security Council.

Authorities said the operation targeted established and emerging drug networks, particularly dealers operating from locations known for the sale and consumption of illicit substances.

The operation covered all five municipal districts of Niamey, as well as areas along the banks of the Niger River. Security personnel also carried out drug screening on commercial drivers and other road users.

A total of 182 drivers were tested, with 25, or 13.73 per cent, testing positive for psychoactive substances.

The substances detected included cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy, methamphetamine, morphine and amphetamine.

Those screened included drivers of minibuses, trucks, taxis, buses and tricycles.

Of the 331 people arrested, 291 were men, 13 were women and 27 were minors.

OCRTIS received 49 suspects, including one woman and three minors, for alleged drug-related offences, while 257 others, comprising 14 women and 22 minors, were transferred to other investigative units for offences within their jurisdiction.

Security forces also recovered various suspected illicit drugs and other items during the operation.

The seizures included 10,500 benzhexol tablets, 532 tramadol tablets, five 40-gram balls of suspected narcotics, 11 packets of suspected cannabis and four cannabis joints.

Seventeen motorcycles were also seized.

Authorities described the operation as part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and consumption through targeted raids and systematic screening of road users.

The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over drug-related activities in Niger.

According to OCRTIS’s first-half 2026 activity report, security agencies across the country arrested 5,257 people over suspected drug-related activities during the period.

The Niamey region accounted for the largest share, with 1,202 arrests, representing 22.86 per cent of the national total.

The figures have prompted OCRTIS to strengthen its anti-drug strategy, with greater emphasis on intelligence-led operations and drug testing of road transport operators.

Authorities said the intensified measures were necessary to curb the spread of illicit drug networks, particularly in urban areas where drug trafficking and consumption could intersect with other forms of organised crime.