As part of efforts to curb the supply of fuel to terrorist groups, the governor of Niamey announced on Monday, April 28, 2025, that all gas stations must be equipped with surveillance cameras within one month.
Addressing more than fifty station operators, and accompanied by the five deputy administrators of the city’s districts, the governor was direct: “We have evidence that nearly 60% of the fuel supplied to terrorists comes from Niamey, and therefore from your stations.” The Nigerien capital currently has 339 gas stations, with 54 already under close monitoring.
To end this dangerous trafficking, the Regional Security Council (CRS) has banned the sale of more than 50 liters of gasoline or diesel in cans since 2023. However, according to the governor, this measure is still widely circumvented. Several stations have already been shut down for violations, the most recent being the Ola station on the Torodi road, which was closed for supplying fuel to designated red zones. “Some stations continue to violate these rules. Last Friday, I ordered the closure of the Ola station for this reason,” he emphasized.
General Harouna was categorical: “Anyone who reoffends will be imprisoned for aiding the enemy.” To strengthen monitoring, each station must install a video surveillance system within the next thirty days. He also called on station operators to act with civic responsibility and patriotism.
Strict enforcement of these measures will now be overseen by the deputy administrators of Niamey’s five districts. The objective is clear: to cut off all logistical support to armed groups active in the red zones.
Additionally, authorities reminded operators that, as of April 3, 2025, the suspension on the construction of new gas stations outside Niamey has been lifted. However, only projects that were halted in 2023 are allowed to resume, and any new gas station project within Niamey remains prohibited without prior authorization.