Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has strongly refuted claims by Niger’s junta, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, alleging covert collaboration with France to destabilize Niger. In a statement issued Thursday night, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the accusations as unfounded and an attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
The allegations, made by Tchiani during a Christmas Day address, that the video is all over the internet included claims that France had financed the establishment of a military base in Nigeria’s Borno State to undermine Niger and its neighbors. Idris dismissed these claims, urging the Nigerian public and international community to disregard them.
“Nigeria has never entered into any covert or overt alliance with France or any other nation to sponsor terrorism or destabilize Niger,” Idris stated. He further challenged the Nigerien authorities to provide credible evidence to substantiate their allegations.
Idris emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and its active role in combating terrorism through initiatives like the Multinational Joint Task Force. He added that Nigeria remains a strong advocate for peace and development in Niger, citing joint projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway.
“Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against unconstitutional seizures of power in Niger is doomed to fail,” Idris said. He also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as ECOWAS Chairman, which has kept diplomatic channels open for re-engagement with Niger.
Idris also dismissed allegations of Nigeria orchestrating a so-called “Lakurawa terrorist headquarters” in Sokoto State in collaboration with France. “These claims are entirely baseless. Nigeria has been at the forefront of combating terrorism, dedicating resources and lives to ensure stability in the region,” he said.
He described Tchiani’s accusations as a “dangerous attempt to divert attention from the junta’s shortcomings” and urged Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, also dismissed claims of a foreign military base in Nigeria. Speaking during a Christmas luncheon with troops in Sokoto, Musa stated, “Nigeria does not and will not permit foreign military bases on its soil. While we collaborate with international partners for training and strategic initiatives, sovereignty remains a priority.”
Musa reiterated the military’s resolve to crush terrorist groups, including the emerging Lakurawa sect, and deployed a special brigade to combat threats in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. He called on troops to maintain professionalism and urged Nigerians to support the military’s efforts, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
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The Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to fostering peace and addressing transnational challenges within the West African region. “Nigeria will continue to lead efforts against terrorism and remain a key player in promoting regional stability,” Idris concluded.
