A wave of relief swept through Niger’s media circles on Friday after Hamid Mahmoud, a journalist from Radio Sahara FM in Agadez, was released from custody—14 months after his arrest.

The news of his freedom was confirmed by a representative of Niger’s private media association, who shared the update with local press. Radio Sahara FM, a sister outlet of Aïr Info, also verified the release.

Hamid Mahmoud, along with two colleagues from the same station, was detained twice in Agadez in May 2025. Their arrest followed reports on the alleged breakdown of security contracts between Niger and Russia—a topic that has drawn significant attention as the Nigerien military leadership strengthens ties with Moscow.

Established in 2003, Radio Sahara FM stands as one of the most influential broadcasters in Niger’s northern desert region. The journalists’ initial detentions in Agadez escalated in mid-May 2025 when they were transferred to Niamey, where they faced military tribunal proceedings a month later.

According to Aïr Info, Hamid Mahmoud was held under a detention order on June 13, 2025, at the Kollo civil prison near Niamey. His initial charges included allegations of ‘undermining national defense’ and ‘conspiring against state authority’, before the case was reclassified as a press offense.

13 journalists detained in Niger in 2025

Of the two other journalists arrested alongside Mahmoud, Mahaman Sani was released in August 2025, while Massaouda Jaharou benefited from provisional release shortly after. Meanwhile, two Nigerien journalists remain behind bars since November 2025 following charges of ‘conspiracy’.