Sahel Intelligence Agencies from the three Sahel Countries to Expose Nigerian Politicians Aiding Bandits

Intelligence services from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso say they are preparing to release the names of senior Nigerian politicians accused of backing bandit groups operating in the country’s North-West.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who monitors developments in the region, reported that the foreign agencies claim to already have a list of politicians allegedly aiding the armed gangs. 

Some of those suspected of supplying weapons to the criminals have reportedly been arrested, with investigations ongoing.

The agencies insist the revelations are part of broader efforts to weaken the networks driving violence across the Sahel and northern Nigeria. 

According to them, banditry has grown beyond a local challenge, with arms smuggling and criminal financiers operating freely across porous borders.

This development comes at a time when Sahelian states are deepening their cooperation on security. Since forming closer ties after military takeovers in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey, the three countries have been pushing regional initiatives to tackle terrorism, cross-border banditry, and the illegal arms trade that fuels instability in West Africa.

Nigeria, which has battled bandit attacks for years, is expected to closely monitor the claims. Analysts say if the names are eventually released, it could trigger serious political and security consequences at home, especially as public pressure mounts for government action against those undermining the fight against insecurity.