Nassirou Bodo has been remanded in custody at the Niamey central prison following his presentation before the public prosecutor’s office, as confirmed late Wednesday by local sources.
In a Facebook post, civil society leader Kaka Touda verified Bodo’s detention but did not disclose the specific charges. The activist was held in police custody before his transfer to detention. Meanwhile, the independent newspaper L’Enquêteur reported that Bodo faces allegations of « disseminating information likely to disrupt public order ».
Calls for protest against state violence
On Monday, Bodo urged Nigeriens to engage in « protest actions and expressions of disapproval against the social violence perpetrated by the state against its citizens » for a period of one year, renewable starting June 1st. Among the acts of « violence » he cited were « escalating insecurity in multiple regions » and the ongoing « unjust evictions » of residents near Niamey’s airport—a site targeted in a January 29 attack claimed by Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS).
Government officials have defended the demolitions of « illegally constructed homes » as necessary to « mitigate terrorist threats » in the capital.
Broader crackdown on dissent under military rule
Niger has grappled with jihadist violence linked to Al-Qaïda and Islamic State for years. Since the military takeover in July 2023, however, the government has intensified measures targeting journalists, activists, and civil society members. Reports indicate that at least 13 journalists have been detained in 2025 alone. Of these, three—including a correspondent for a major international broadcaster—were released in early May after months behind bars. Five others remain incarcerated, according to local press freedom groups.
Among those still held is Moussa Tchangari, a prominent civil society figure and vocal critic of the junta. Tchangari has been imprisoned since December 2024 on charges including « terrorism glorification and undermining state security ».
