Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has rejected allegations by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize his country, planned sabotage of its gas pipelines, and support terrorist activities.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims as “baseless” and lacking any credible evidence.
The Minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated “exemplary leadership,” keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to dialogue with Niger despite the political crisis
Idris also dismissed accusations that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture, pointed to joint energy and infrastructure projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project as evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to Niger’s development.
“It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.
“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,” Idris said.
Responding to allegations of harboring a terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly in collaboration with France, Idris labeled the claims as “absurd.”
“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 neighboring country,” he said.
The government reiterated that “neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.”
Addressing the alleged establishment of a Lakurawa terrorist headquarters, Idris referenced Nigeria’s recent military actions to counter such threats.
“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 harboring the same group within its borders?”
The statement called on those making such claims to provide “credible evidence” to substantiate their accusations, describing them as part of a broader effort to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
Highlighting Nigeria’s role as a regional stabilizer, Idris noted that the country has never allowed foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil, unlike some nations.
“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,” he said.
The Minister concluded by urging Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.
“President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.”
This latest development comes amid heightened tensions following Niger’s July 2023 coup, which triggered ECOWAS sanctions led by Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership.
