FG denies Niger leader’s allegations of collusion with France
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government has dismissed allegations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize his country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the accusations as “unfounded” and “imaginary.”
Idris stated that Nigeria has neither engaged in any covert nor overt alliance with France—or any other nation—to support terrorism or destabilize Niger Republic following the military coup in Niamey.
“President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has shown exemplary leadership by keeping the doors open for dialogue with Niger, despite the current political situation,” the minister said.
He added that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and maintaining its historic diplomatic ties with Niger.
The statement also highlighted Nigeria’s prominent role in combating terrorism in the region, particularly through its collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). It dismissed allegations of harboring terrorist groups, including claims about a supposed “Lakurawa terrorist headquarters” in Sokoto State, as baseless.
“How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of supporting it? Nigeria’s military, through operations like Forest Sanity III and Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, has dedicated resources and lives to eradicating terrorism in the region,” Idris said.
The minister further rejected claims that Nigeria had conspired to sabotage Niger’s pipelines or agricultural sector. He pointed to Nigeria’s support for Niger’s economic development through projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, describing the accusations as “illogical.”
Idris emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, noting its refusal to host foreign military bases on its soil. “Nigeria’s commitment to independence and regional leadership is unwavering,” he said.
The government also challenged General Tchiani to provide credible evidence to support his allegations, labeling them an attempt to deflect attention from internal challenges in Niger.
“Any effort to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against unconstitutional power seizures is both disingenuous and doomed to fail,” Idris said.
Reiterating its commitment to regional stability, the Federal Government affirmed its leadership in addressing terrorism and other transnational challenges. It urged Niger’s military regime to prioritize constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than promoting baseless accusations.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to peace and security in West Africa, despite attempts to undermine its efforts.
