KEY POINTS
- Nigeria denies claims of collaboration with France to destabilize Niger.
- Joint projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline highlight Nigeria’s support for Niger’s development.
- Allegations of harboring Lakurawa terrorists are refuted with credible military actions.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly refuted claims made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, alleging a conspiracy between Nigeria and France to destabilize Niger.
In a statement, Nigeria labeled the allegations as baseless and aimed at deflecting attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his role as ECOWAS Chairperson, has maintained an open-door policy for re-engagement with Niger, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to peace and diplomatic relations with its neighbor.
According to Vanguard, the government stressed that Nigeria has never engaged in any activity, overt or covert, to undermine Niger’s sovereignty or security.
Nigeria rejects allegations of collusion with foreign powers
Nigeria has categorically denied allegations that it collaborated with France to sponsor terrorism or destabilize Niger Republic.
The Federal Government highlighted its efforts to combat terrorism in the region through initiatives like the Multinational Joint Task Force.
The claims of establishing a Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State were also dismissed as false.
The military recently launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically targeting the Lakurawa threat. “These accusations are not only baseless but also counterproductive,” the statement read.
Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and collaboration
Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty was reiterated.
Unlike some nations, Nigeria does not host foreign military bases, further demonstrating its independence and leadership in the region.
The government pointed to joint projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway as evidence of its support for Niger’s economic development.
“It is illogical to suggest Nigeria would sabotage initiatives it has actively promoted,” officials stated.
Urging constructive dialogue over baseless accusations
The Nigerian government has called on Niger to provide credible evidence to support its allegations.
Officials noted that such claims seem to be an attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against unconstitutional leadership changes in Niger.
“We urge the Niger Republic to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than spreading false accusations,” the statement concluded.
Nigeria remains dedicated to regional stability and will continue to lead efforts in combating terrorism and fostering peace.
