Security forces arrested 461 people in Niamey on 17 October 2026 during a law enforcement initiative titled 'Une rentrée scolaire sans drogue'. The operation targeted illicit activities within the capital city. Authorities conducted the arrests as part of a broader effort to address local drug concerns. Officials involved in the action included the Office central de répression du trafic illicite des stupéfiants (OCRTIS) and the Conseil régional de sécurité de Niamey. These entities focused their activity on areas across Niamey, including locations near the Niger River. Legal processing for those taken into custody is currently underway following the conclusion of the operation.
Scope of the Arrests
Security forces apprehended 430 individuals across the five communes of Niamey during the initial phase of the operation. A second phase centered on the Niger River led to the arrest of 31 people for identity verification purposes. Authorities processed the detainees through various channels according to their involvement in the targeted activities. Records indicate that 392 people not transferred to the Office central de répression du trafic illicite des stupéfiants (OCRTIS) were handed over to other investigative units. These procedures remain ongoing as law enforcement officials continue to manage the detainees taken into custody throughout the capital.
Drug Offenses and Transfers
Office central de répression du trafic illicite des stupéfiants (OCRTIS) received 69 individuals for drug-related offenses following the Niamey operation. These detainees remain under investigation by the agency as officials examine their specific involvement in the illicit activities identified by security forces. The group of 69 suspects includes two minors. Authorities are processing these individuals separately from the detainees handed over to other investigative units. Legal procedures for those transferred to the OCRTIS continue as the agency evaluates the evidence collected during the 17 October 2026 initiative. Law enforcement officials maintain custody of all suspects while the investigation into the drug-related charges moves forward.
Seized Contraband and Weapons
Authorities recovered a variety of illicit substances during the operation, including 7,250 tramadol tablets and 35 diazepam tablets. The inventory of seized narcotics also contains five balls of cannabis and 144 cornets of cannabis.
Officers confiscated additional items associated with drug consumption and illicit activities. These materials include ten liters of formol and five shisha devices. Security forces also secured eight knives, three scissors, and various smoking accessories found at the targeted locations.
Logistical equipment used in the transport of these items was also taken into custody. Security forces seized one vehicle and sixteen motorcycles. The inventory of confiscated motorized transport specifically includes three tricycles.