National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has strongly refuted allegations by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilize his country. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu dismissed the claims as baseless and unfounded, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to regional unity and peace.
“Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed troops here. When France sought to bring its soldiers, we refused. Why would we agree now?” Ribadu questioned. He urged Niger’s leadership to address its grievances with France without involving Nigeria, highlighting that Nigeria prioritizes regional cooperation over foreign interference.
Ribadu also called on journalists and the public to verify the areas mentioned in Tchiani’s allegations, including claims of French military bases near Lake Chad and training camps in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. “Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must collaborate to secure our communities and resist external interference,” he added.
Ribadu reiterated that Nigeria lives peacefully with its neighbors, including Chad, Benin, and Cameroon. “We have no reason to harm the Niger Republic,” he stated. He also pointed out that even the United Kingdom, despite its colonial ties, was denied permission to establish a base in Nigeria. “If we could deny the UK, why would we allow France?” Ribadu added.
Addressing the strained relationship between the two nations, Ribadu stated:
“Niger’s leader wants Nigeria to cut ties with France, preferring its current alignment with Russia. However, Nigeria will continue to engage with all nations, including France, Russia, the United States, and Brazil, to benefit its economic growth.”
The accusations have further strained relations between the two nations. Niger’s military government recently accused Nigeria of harboring members of the ousted Bazoum administration and colluding with foreign powers. Despite Nigeria’s repeated denials, tensions between the neighbors remain high.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has firmly defended Nigeria against the allegations. In a statement titled “ECOWAS Stands by Nigeria and Other Member States Against Unfounded Allegations”, the regional bloc dismissed the claims as baseless and reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a stabilizing force in the region.
“The Commission of ECOWAS expresses deep concern over the allegations against Nigeria and other member states. For years, Nigeria has championed peace and stability, not only within the West African sub-region but across the continent,” the statement read.
“The Commission refutes any suggestion that Nigeria, a country known for its magnanimity, would engage in sponsoring terrorism. We urge all states to prioritize dialogue and refrain from unfounded accusations.”
Nigeria’s Federal Government, through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, also dismissed General Tchiani’s claims as purely imaginary. Idris reiterated that Nigeria has never engaged in any covert or overt alliance with France or any other nation to destabilize Niger Republic.
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He highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as Chairman of ECOWAS, noting his efforts to maintain open channels for dialogue with Niger despite the political turmoil.
