Niger Emerges as Major Transit Route for Cocaine Trafficking to Europe
French magazine investigation alleges Niger has become a major transit hub for narcotics moving from West Africa toward European markets.
- Niger emerges as cocaine route to Europe
- Investigation alleges links between traffickers and officials
- Sahel drug networks expand amid security concerns
Niger has emerged as a key transit corridor for narcotics moving from ports in the Gulf of Guinea to European markets, according to an investigation by French magazine Jeune Afrique.
The report alleges that some drug trafficking networks operating across the Sahel have developed links with individuals connected to Niger’s ruling military authorities.
The investigation highlights Gomor Atwa, popularly known as “Bidika,” who was elected in 2024 as the leader of the Kel Tedili Tuareg community in the Agadez region, despite his previous links to smuggling cases.
Bidika was arrested in March 2021 over allegations connected to a 17-tonne shipment of cannabis resin that entered Niger through Togo’s Port of Lomé. He was later released in October 2021 following a procedural error.
According to Jeune Afrique, Bidika had long-standing ties with Nigerien businessman Cherif Ould Abidine, popularly known as “Cherif Cocaine.” United Nations reports cited by the magazine described Bidika as an associate of Abidine and alleged that he helped move narcotics through the Aïr Mountains toward Libya.
The report further stated that the 2023 military coup in Niger did not eliminate existing trafficking networks. Instead, some figures allegedly regained influence and established relationships with groups supportive of the military government.
Among the groups mentioned is the Union of Nigeriens for Vigilance and Patriotism, a movement formed after the coup to back the military authorities.
A Nigerien security expert cited in the report alleged that some members of the group were involved in transport and security operations linked to drug and weapons trafficking.
A separate security source also claimed that military authorities provided resources, vehicles, weapons and funding to allied groups operating in northern Niger, while allegedly ignoring certain illicit activities.
The exact volume of cocaine passing through Niger and the wider Sahel region toward Europe remains unclear. However, Jeune Afrique reported that drug seizures in the Gulf of Guinea have increased.
In July, authorities intercepted nearly four tonnes of cocaine off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia. The shipment was reportedly estimated to be worth more than €1 billion on European streets after distribution.
