Nigeria Says Niger Military Leader’s Allegations Is Baseless, Reaffirms Commitment To Regional Peace
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Federal Government of Nigeria has categorically dismissed recent accusations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, as unfounded and baseless.
The allegations, contained in a viral video, claim that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilise Niger.
Nigeria has described these claims as existing purely in the realm of imagination, devoid of any credible evidence.
In a statement signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government restated its unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the West African region.
The statement highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s exemplary leadership as Chairman of ECOWAS, where he has prioritised diplomacy and dialogue with Niger despite the undemocratic change in its leadership.
Nigeria’s Role in Regional Stability
The Nigerian government strongly refuted allegations of any covert or overt alliance with France—or any other nation—to sponsor terrorist activities or destabilise Niger but rather, reaffirmed its longstanding tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty, maintaining territorial integrity, and fostering regional stability.
“Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, have made significant strides in curbing terrorism within the region,” the statement read. “It is absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.”
The government also dismissed claims that Nigeria has ceded parts of its territory to foreign powers for subversive operations, calling the accusations “both unfounded and counterproductive.”
Support for Niger’s Economic Development
Contrary to these accusations, Nigeria reiterated its role in promoting Niger’s economic development through joint infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.
These initiatives, according to the Nigerian government, underscore its commitment to fostering economic collaboration and regional growth.
“It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted,” the statement added.
Addressing Allegations of Terrorism
The claims of establishing a so-called terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria and France, were also dismissed as baseless.
The statement highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing military operations, including Operation Forest Sanity III—codenamed Operation Chase Lakurawa Out—which specifically targets the Lakurawa terrorist group.
“How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders?” the government questioned, urging the public to disregard these false allegations.
A Call for Constructive Dialogue
The Nigerian government called on Niger’s leadership to focus on addressing internal challenges and engaging in constructive dialogue rather than peddling baseless accusations.
It also warned against attempts to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in Niger.
“President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings,” the statement concluded. “Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and leading efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.”
As tensions persist, Nigeria has reaffirmed its role as a regional leader and advocate for peace, urging its neighbours to prioritise collaboration over conflict.
