An investigation by French magazine Jeune Afrique has identified Niger as a major transit route for narcotics moving from ports in the Gulf of Guinea toward European markets, while alleging links between trafficking networks and figures associated with the country’s ruling military authorities.
The investigation highlights Gomor Atwa, widely known as “Bidika,” who was elected in 2024 as leader of the Kel Tedili Tuareg community in the Agadez region despite his previous involvement in smuggling cases.
Bidika was arrested in March 2021 in connection with a 17-tonne shipment of cannabis resin that entered Niger through the port of Lomé in Togo. He was released in October of the same year because of a procedural error.
According to Jeune Afrique, Bidika had long-standing ties with Nigerien businessman Cherif Ould Abidine, nicknamed “Cherif Cocaine.” United Nations reports cited by the magazine described Bidika as a close associate of Abidine and alleged that he helped transport drugs toward Libya through the Aïr Mountains.
The investigation said the 2023 military coup did not dismantle the trafficking networks. Instead, Bidika reportedly rebuilt his influence and developed ties with individuals and organisations close to the military government.
Among them was the Union of Nigeriens for Vigilance and Patriotism, a movement established after the coup to support the military authorities.
A Nigerien security expert told the magazine that some members of the organisation were involved in transport and security activities linked to the trafficking of drugs and weapons.
A separate security source alleged that the military authorities had supplied resources, vehicles, weapons and money to help allied groups secure northern Niger, while turning a blind eye to other activities, including drug trafficking.
There are no reliable estimates of the volume of cocaine passing through Niger and the wider Sahel on its way to Europe. However, Jeune Afrique said seizures in the Gulf of Guinea had increased.
In July, authorities intercepted nearly four tonnes of cocaine off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia. The shipment could reportedly be worth more than €1 billion on European streets once divided and sold at retail level.