Niger inspector claims involvement in search for Beninese officer Pascal Tigri

Inspector Habibou Oumarou Mamane, known as ‘Le Rebelle’, has provided a televised testimony on Nigerien public television regarding the search for Colonel Pascal Tigri. Tigri is a Beninese officer sought for his alleged involvement in a coup attempt on December 7, 2025.

During his October 23, 2026, appearance, Mamane claimed he was contacted on February 27, 2026, by intermediaries linked to Beninese services to locate the officer. He detailed specific financial arrangements, alleging a total sum of five million CFA francs was promised, with two million reportedly paid on March 9, 2026, at the Niamey Grand Market.

Mamane cited several individuals, including Moumouni, Zakou, ‘David’, and a Beninese police officer named Ilou. He also mentioned promises of diplomatic passports and official positions. However, the authenticity of these claims remains unverified, as there is currently no tangible evidence or official confirmation regarding the legitimacy of the mission or the origin of the requests.