The airing of a testimony by Nigerien police inspector Habibou Oumarou Mamane, known as “The Rebel,” on national television on October 23, 2026, has reignited speculation about the whereabouts of Colonel Pascal Tigri, the alleged mastermind behind Benin’s December 7, 2025 coup attempt. In a carefully delivered statement, the inspector described alleged contacts, financial transactions, and intermediaries linked to efforts aimed at locating the fugitive officer within Niger’s borders.
The key question now is not just whether Pascal Tigri is in Niger, but why these accusations are being aired publicly before any verifiable evidence has substantiated them.
The mechanics of the testimony: precision versus proof
Inspector Habibou Oumarou Mamane presented his account with striking detail. He claimed that as of February 27, 2026, he was approached to track down Pascal Tigri. His narrative included meetings with intermediaries allegedly linked to Beninese intelligence, financial promises, and even the receipt of two million CFA francs on March 9, 2026, in Niamey’s main market. He named individuals such as Moumouni, Zakou, a go-between nicknamed “David,” and Beninese police officer Ilou, while mentioning a rendezvous in Malanville and offers involving substantial sums, diplomatic passports, and government positions.
The meticulous nature of these details lends the testimony an air of credibility, yet they fall short of independently confirming the authenticity of each interaction or the real identities behind the names provided. Questions linger over the alleged payments, the roles assigned to each figure, and the broader context in which the testimony was gathered. Without corroborating evidence, the narrative remains a compelling story rather than a proven fact.
Exfiltration or investigation? The critical distinction
One term used by the inspector has sparked significant debate: “exfiltration.” This word implies clandestine extraction, yet its inclusion in the testimony does not substantiate claims that Beninese authorities ordered or executed such an operation. It is essential to separate the allegations from any official decisions made in Cotonou. At present, the televised claims do not substantiate the notion that Benin pursued covert efforts to extract Pascal Tigri from Niger.
What remains clear is that locating an individual accused of involvement in a coup attempt is a legitimate security concern for any state. The pursuit of a suspect, intelligence gathering, and judicial proceedings are entirely separate from covert operations conducted across borders. Should Pascal Tigri’s presence in Niger be confirmed, the matter would shift to formal cooperation between the two nations. Beninese authorities could then pursue judicial assistance, police cooperation, or extradition procedures—all governed by international law and bilateral agreements. The sovereignty of Niger and the legal safeguards in place must guide any such actions.
The strategic implications of a televised accusation
The decision to air such a sensitive testimony on state television raises additional questions. While public disclosure can draw attention to regional security issues, it cannot substitute for rigorous investigative work or the presentation of tangible evidence to competent authorities. If the claims are supported by verifiable facts, legal and diplomatic channels would provide the proper framework to assess their validity and assign responsibility. Conversely, a media spectacle lacking accessible proof risks fostering speculation—especially in an environment marked by strained relations between Niamey and Cotonou.
It remains unclear whether the broadcast aimed to shed light on an investigation, counter prior accusations, or convey a political message. Without concrete elements to clarify intent, none of these possibilities can be confirmed.
Regional cooperation under scrutiny
The Pascal Tigri affair has evolved from a localized manhunt into a test of interstate cooperation in West Africa. If individuals accused of serious crimes are indeed found in a neighboring country, the coordination between security services and judicial authorities becomes paramount. For both Benin and Niger, the challenge is to prioritize facts over insinuations.
Every named individual, every alleged transaction, and every meeting mentioned by Habibou Oumarou Mamane demands independent verification. The credibility of these accusations will ultimately depend not on their dramatic television presentation, but on the ability of involved parties to produce substantiating evidence, clarify their positions, and follow established legal and diplomatic protocols. Until then, the case remains open—far from resolved by a single televised statement.
