FG reacts to Niger’s military leader’s allegations

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed as baseless and unfounded the recent allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country.

In a statement issued on Thursday, December 26, 2024, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as a fabrication rooted in imagination rather than fact. He emphasized that Nigeria has never engaged in any form of alliance—overt or covert—with France or any other country to sponsor terrorism or undermine Niger Republic’s peace and stability.

The minister highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role as Chairman of ECOWAS, noting his leadership in keeping diplomatic channels open with Niger despite the political upheaval in the neighboring country. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering peace and maintaining historic ties with Niger.

“It is absurd to suggest that Nigeria, which has invested heavily in regional peace and stability, would conspire with any foreign power to destabilize a neighboring nation,” Idris said.

The statement also refuted allegations of harboring a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State. Nigeria’s Armed Forces, through operations like Operation Forest Sanity III and Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, have been actively combating terrorism within the region.

“Accusing Nigeria of supporting the same terror group it is actively fighting lacks credible evidence and is counterproductive,” the minister stated.

Idris further dismissed claims that Nigeria sought to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture, describing them as illogical. He pointed out Nigeria’s active promotion of joint energy and infrastructure projects with Niger, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, as evidence of its commitment to Niger’s economic development.

The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty and independence, emphasizing that the country has never allowed foreign military bases on its soil. It also urged General Tchiani to focus on addressing Niger’s internal challenges rather than diverting attention with baseless accusations.

“Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in Niger Republic is disingenuous and doomed to fail,” Idris asserted.

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The Federal Government called on the public to disregard the allegations, emphasizing that Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to regional stability and the fight against terrorism.

“Nigeria urges Niger’s leadership to embrace constructive dialogue and collaboration instead of peddling false accusations,” the statement concluded.