Shehu Sani reacts to Niger president’s allegations against Nigeria

Former Nigerian senator and activist, Shehu Sani, has dismissed claims by Niger Republic’s President, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, regarding Nigeria’s alleged complicity in forming the Lakurawa terrorist group.

In a post on his official X account, Sani described the allegations as baseless, imaginary, and lacking any credible evidence.

Sani emphasized that Nigeria, a country that has endured over a decade of kidnappings and bloodshed at the hands of terrorists, cannot be accused of harboring such a group. He stated, “For a country whose people have suffered over a decade of kidnappings and bloodshed in the hands of terrorists and are still fighting, it’s inconceivable that such a terrorist group will ever be harbored here.”

The former senator went on to criticize Tchiani’s claims as “wild conjectures, hollow, superstitious, and an imaginary conspiracy theory,” urging for a more constructive approach to regional security challenges. According to Sani, the way forward is for both Niger and Nigeria to collaborate in addressing and extinguishing the shared threat posed by terrorism.

https://x.com/ShehuSani/status/1872533294744531050?t=T9_NijMXm0aqR6MwGbN4Yg&s=19

The allegations by Tchiani have sparked widespread criticism, with many dismissing them as a distraction from internal challenges facing Niger’s military regime. Nigeria, through its government and ECOWAS, has repeatedly denied any involvement in activities aimed at destabilizing Niger, reaffirming its commitment to regional peace and stability.

Sani’s comments add to the growing calls for strengthened ties between Nigeria and Niger to tackle the common security threats plaguing the West African region.