Niger Republic's military junta imposed stringent security measures on December 9, 2025, mandating complete unloading and thorough inspection of virtually all goods entering from Nigeria at border points, citing national security imperatives. The directive targeting miscellaneous imports via land routes like Jibiya, Kongolam, and Illela requires 100% physical verification to curb smuggling of arms, drugs, and illicit items amid heightened AES vigilance post-ECOWAS exit. Traders face delays, higher costs, and potential seizures, exacerbating bilateral frictions after border closures and recent NAF C-130 detention.
The policy signals Niamey’s sovereignty assertion against porous 1,500 km frontier exploited by bandits, with Konaré Hamani’s regime invoking anti-terror pacts while Nigeria grapples with fallout from July 2023 coup sanctions lift. Local transporters decry economic sabotage on $2B+ annual bilateral trade dominated by Nigerian staples, cement, and fuel. Abuja silent, but analysts warn retaliation risks.
The clampdown echoes AES airspace alerts and convoy incidents, straining regional commerce amid Sahel instability. Traders demand dialogue.