Niamey Police Dismantle Four Criminal Networks Linked to Robberies, Kidnappings, and Murders

Niamey, December 9, 2025 - The Directorate of Judicial Police (DPJ) on Tuesday unveiled the results of investigations that led to the dismantling of four major criminal networks operating in Niamey. These groups were implicated in armed robberies, kidnappings, burglaries, and homicides, with one network including two former members of the Defense and Security Forces, dismissed for serious misconduct.

The first network, the most structured and violent, comprised about a dozen individuals aged 25 to 53. It specialized in targeting people carrying large sums of money, using intelligence-led operations and armed attacks in broad daylight. Investigators linked this group to multiple robberies, burglaries, and a homicide in October 2025, as well as cases of identity theft through individuals impersonating uniformed police officers.

The second network focused on high-value vehicle thefts, rapidly transporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria through established cross-border routes. Led by a Nigerian national with local accomplices, the group admitted to several thefts, highlighting the challenges posed by well-organized trafficking networks.

The third network, composed of young men aged 19 to 25 from Koira Tégui, engaged in kidnappings of women, including one case that resulted in murder. The fourth network is implicated in the murder of a woman discovered in the Christian cemetery of Koira Tégui, a case marked by extreme violence and currently before the courts.

At the ceremony, Public Prosecutor Ousmane Baydo reiterated the principle of presumption of innocence and called for heightened citizen vigilance, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation between the public and law enforcement.

The DPJ reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and urged citizens to report suspicious activities, underlining ongoing efforts to maintain public safety in Niamey.