Nigeria debunks Niger’s allegations of collusion with France

The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected claims made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, alleging a clandestine alliance between Nigeria and France to destabilize Niger.

These accusations, amplified in a recent viral video, have been dismissed as baseless and imaginative fabrications.

No Alliance with France or Any Foreign Power

A statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Thursday says the Nigerian government has never collaborated with France or any other country to sponsor terrorism or destabilize Niger, particularly following the unconstitutional change in leadership in the neighboring nation.

It explains that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to restore stability and engage Niger Republic through peaceful dialogue.

Commitment to Regional Security

According to the statement, Nigeria, through its Armed Forces and the Multinational Joint Task Force, has made significant strides in combating terrorism across the region. Suggestions that the country is conspiring to undermine peace in Niger contradict Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to regional security.

“There is no evidence of Nigerian officials supporting any terror group or ceding territory for subversive operations. Such claims are absurd and unfounded,” the government emphasized.

Economic Partnerships Contradict Allegations

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s active role in promoting Niger’s economic growth through joint initiatives like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It questioned the logic of undermining projects it has heavily invested in, dismissing allegations of sabotaging Niger’s pipelines and agriculture as illogical and counterproductive.

Rejection of Terrorist Headquarters Claims

The government also refuted claims of a supposed Lakurawa terrorist headquarters being established in Sokoto State, allegedly orchestrated in collaboration with France. Nigeria’s military has intensified its fight against the Lakurawa threat through operations like Forest Sanity III and Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, showcasing its commitment to eliminating terrorism within and beyond its borders.

A Call for Evidence and Dialogue

The Federal Government urged Niger’s leadership to provide credible evidence for its allegations, labeling the accusations as attempts to divert attention from domestic challenges. It warned against using blackmail to undermine ECOWAS’s principled stance on unconstitutional power seizures.

Nigeria’s Leadership in Regional Stability

Reiterating its dedication to regional peace, Nigeria reaffirmed its sovereignty and refusal to allow foreign military bases on its soil. The country’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as “a dangerous distraction” and called on Niger to prioritize constructive dialogue over baseless accusations.

“Nigeria remains steadfast in fostering regional stability and leading the fight against terrorism. We urge Niger to collaborate with its neighbours to address shared challenges,” the statement concluded.