Madar (Niamey) - Niger's internal security forces detained 461 people, including 50 minors, during an anti-drug operation led by the central anti-narcotics office (OCRTIS) in the capital Niamey on Saturday, 17 October 2026, news site ActuNiger reported on Monday, 19 October 2026.
Dubbed "A drug-free return to school", the operation ran in two simultaneous phases. The first targeted the surroundings of several schools and known drug selling and consumption spots in Niamey's five municipalities, leading to 430 arrests, including 13 women and 50 minors, four of them girls.
Police seized 7,250 tramadol tablets, 35 diazepam tablets and quantities of cannabis, as well as eight knives, a vehicle, 16 motorcycles and clothing belonging to the defence and security forces, the site said.
The second phase covered the Niger river and its banks, where 31 people were detained for identity checks and six canoes were inspected. Of all those detained, 69, including two minors, were taken to the OCRTIS on drug-related grounds, while 392 others were handed to other investigation units.
The national police urged residents to report any useful information on the toll-free numbers 17 and 8383, saying the operation aimed to protect young people and secure schools.
