Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s Accusations Against Nigeria Lack Merit – FG
By Yahaya Idris
The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, as “baseless.”
Tchiani accused Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize Niger and sabotage its pipeline operations.
In response, Federal Government of Nigeria described these claims as fabrications and a distraction from Niger’s internal challenges.
The Nigerian government emphasized its commitment to regional stability and denied any involvement in supporting terrorism or foreign military bases in the region
The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly refutes allegations made in a viral video by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, claiming a non-existent collaboration between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.
In a statement issued by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is categorically stated that claims of Nigeria’s involvement in sponsoring terrorist attacks or destabilizing the Niger Republic are baseless and exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never participated in any overt or covert alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic, especially in light of the recent undemocratic change in leadership in that country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.
Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.
Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.
Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil. This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.
The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.
The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.
Federal Government of Nigeria maintained that President Tchiani’s claims are unsubstantiated and represent a perilous endeavor to divert attention from the shortcomings of his administration. Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts aimed at addressing terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to prioritize constructive dialogue and collaboration over the dissemination of unfounded accusations.
