Human rights activist Nassirou Bodo has been remanded in custody at Niamey’s central prison following his arraignment, according to local reports confirmed by civil society leader Kaka Touda on social media.

The activist, known for his vocal criticism of the military-led government, now faces charges of “disseminating data likely to disrupt public order.”

Bodo’s detention follows a police custody period after he publicly urged Nigeriens to launch sustained “protest and disapproval actions against state-imposed social violence” starting June 1st. His call for a year-long campaign—renewable—highlighted concerns over “ongoing insecurity in multiple regions” and “unjust evictions”, particularly the demolition of homes near Niamey’s airport after an ISIS-affiliated attack in January.

Government officials claim these demolitions, targeting “illegally constructed dwellings,” aim to mitigate “terrorism risks” in the capital.

Niger continues to grapple with escalating violence from jihadist factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Since the military takeover in July 2023, authorities have intensified crackdowns on dissent, detaining journalists and civil society figures under charges ranging from defamation to national security violations.

UN records indicate 13 journalists were arrested in Niger during 2025, with three—including a correspondent for Deutsche Welle—released in early May after months behind bars. Five others remain incarcerated, according to local press freedom advocates.

Prominent activist Moussa Tchangari, jailed since December 2024, still faces allegations of “terrorism glorification and endangering state security.”