Nigeria debunks allegations of collusion with France to destabilise Niger
…says allegations ‘baseless, absurd
…reaffirms commitment to regional peace
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country.
In a press statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the claims as “baseless and absurd.”
According to the statement, the allegations, which surfaced in a viral video, are products of imagination.
The minister, these claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France, or any other country, to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
The Minister said that Nigeria has never engaged in any covert or overt alliance with France or any other country, to sponsor terrorist activities or destabilize Niger Republic.
READ ALSO: Sokoto’s Gidam Bisa , Gidan Runtuwa airstrikes..
This is as the government emphasized its steadfast commitment to peace and regional stability.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has been at the forefront of efforts to maintain dialogue with Niger despite the political upheaval in the country. The statement highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to fostering peace and preserving its historic ties with its neighbor.
Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force, have made significant strides in combating terrorism within the region. It was termed “absurd” to suggest that Nigeria, a regional leader in anti-terrorism efforts, would conspire to undermine a neighboring country’s peace and security.
The Nigerian government categorically denied any involvement in arming or supporting terrorist groups to attack Niger. It also refuted claims that any part of Nigeria has been ceded to foreign powers for subversive activities. The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty and commitment to regional cooperation.
Unlike some nations, Nigeria has consistently maintained its sovereignty by not allowing foreign military bases on its soil. This decision, the statement noted, underscores Nigeria’s independence and its dedication to regional leadership.
Addressing economic cooperation, the statement described allegations that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture as counterproductive and illogical. It highlighted joint projects such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway as examples of Nigeria’s support for Niger’s economic growth.
The allegations of establishing a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly in collaboration with France, were also dismissed. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, with significant investments in ensuring stability across the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
The statement pointed to the Nigerian military’s recent Operation Forest Sanity III, aimed at neutralizing threats posed by the Lakurawa group. The government questioned the logic of accusing Nigeria of harboring the same group it actively fights against, labeling the allegations as a diversionary tactic.
The Federal Government urged the public to disregard the false allegations, challenging Niger’s leadership to provide credible evidence. It warned that attempts to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against unconstitutional power seizures are futile.
President Tinubu’s administration reiterated its commitment to fostering regional stability and addressing transnational challenges, including terrorism. The government called on Niger’s leadership to engage in constructive dialogue rather than spreading baseless accusations.
The statement described General Tchiani’s claims as a dangerous distraction from his administration’s internal challenges. It affirmed Nigeria’s resolve to remain a reliable partner in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
Observers have linked the strained relations between Nigeria and Niger to the recent military takeover in Niger, which has drawn widespread criticism from ECOWAS. Nigeria, as a regional power, has played a key role in mediating tensions.
By addressing these allegations directly, Nigeria seeks to reaffirm its position as a leader in regional peace efforts. The government emphasized its long-standing tradition of promoting stability, collaboration, and mutual respect within the ECOWAS bloc.
The statement concluded with a call for calm and unity, urging all parties to prioritize constructive engagement over unfounded accusations. As tensions linger, Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace and prosperity in the region.
