The governor of Niamey accuses several gas stations of supplying fuel to armed groups and imposes a one-month ultimatum to tighten controls.
The governor of the Niamey region, General Assoumane Abdou Harouna, has publicly accused several gas stations in the capital of supplying fuel to armed groups.
He announced a series of coercive measures to disrupt what he describes as a well-established supply chain, supplied from Niamey in defiance of security orders.
“We have proof that nearly 60 per cent of the fuel sold to terrorists comes from Niamey. And if it comes from Niamey, it comes from your stations,” the governor declared during a meeting with gas station promoters reported by Tele Sahel.
He relies on data he describes as accurate: of the 339 stations installed to date in the city, only 54 are listed with a clearly identified promoter. General Assoumane Abdou Harouna recalled the existence of a decree issued in 2023 by the Minister of State, Minister of the Interior, prohibiting the sale of more than 50 liters of fuel in cans.
This measure, motivated by security imperatives, aims to counter the supply of fuel to armed groups operating in red zones.
Stations targeted for non-compliance with instructions
“There have been a few stations that have been closed by the governor.
You know why,” continued the regional official, affirming that closures are always motivated by tangible evidence, sometimes illustrated by photos. He mentioned a recent case: the closure of the Ola station on the Torodi road, accused of transporting fuel to an area under terrorist influence.
The governor denounced a market logic that takes precedence over national security imperatives.
“It’s as if you’re drinking the blood of the Nigerien population,” he said, calling these acts treason under the guise of commercial activities.
According to him, some gas stations located on the outskirts of town – but also in city centers – regularly violate the law, supplying armed groups in exchange for higher profits.
Formal Notice and Increased Surveillance
Faced with this situation, the regional authorities are imposing a one-month ultimatum on all gas station operators to install surveillance cameras. These cameras will allow the developer and the Regional Security Council (CRS) to exercise control over the activities of gas station attendants.
“Anyone who doesn’t install a surveillance camera in their gas station after a month will be closed until further notice,” warned the governor, further demanding high-quality systems that can clearly identify fraudulent activities. He specified that the police, gendarmerie, and guards will have the right to consult the recordings at any time. Assoumane Abdou Harouna directly appeals to the owners: “You have a duty to know what your gas station attendants are doing. You chose them because you trust them.”
He warns that developers could be held criminally liable in the event of a repeat offense, suggesting prison sentences for “complicity with the enemy.”
He emphasizes the duty of vigilance in a tense security context. “Security is everyone’s business, civilians and military alike,” he insists.
And he concludes: “We are going to ask you to contribute to the security of our population by selling honour and commonsense.”
AC/Sf/fss/gik/APA