Nigerien authorities have launched an investigation into the sabotage of a section of the oil pipeline leading to Benin, Nigerien channel Télé Sahel reported.
On the night of June 16-17, a part of an oil pipeline to Benin was reportedly disrupted, causing 370 meters of oil to leak.
"We have already gathered information and evidence on the alleged perpetrators, and all those involved will be arrested and punished according to their crime," said Governor of Niger's Zinder region, Colonel Issoufou Labo.
On June 17, the Patriotic Liberation Front (FLP), a rebel movement fighting for the release of Nigerien former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a coup in July and has been in detention since, claimed responsibility for an attack on the pipeline.
Shortly after the coup, Niger's new military authorities explained that the military conducted the coup "to put an end to the regime" due to "continuing deterioration in the security situation and poor economic and social governance."