Niger Arrests Suspected Nigerian Bandit Leader

Nigerian “bandit” leader, Achalla Baleri, was apprehended with 65 of his associates in southern Niger. The border region between Nigeria and Niger has long served as a refuge for these armed groups, commonly referred to as bandits, who engage in the abduction of civilians for ransom and the theft of livestock. Hailing from Nigeria’s Zamfara state, Baleri held the 40th position on the Nigerian army’s list of most wanted individuals.

He has been involved in numerous violent assaults in Nigeria, including a February 22 attack that resulted in the deaths of four Niger soldiers from the anti-terrorist unit responsible for his capture. To combat the escalating violence, both nations have conducted collaborative operations.

The local governor has accused Nigeria of pulling back its security forces and leaving the border region “at the mercy of armed bandits who dictate terms” and frequently infiltrate into Niger.